Croatian Nut Roll

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a subtle flavor.

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds provide a similar texture and flavor.

Grind 4 cups of walnuts using a KitchenAid grinder attachment until they have a meal-like texture.

In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts with 1 cup of brown sugar, 4 eggs, 1 stick of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until sticky.

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 packages of rapid rise yeast and stir lightly.

In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of shortening, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 can of evaporated milk; heat over low until the shortening melts and cool to 120 degrees.

Add the cooled liquid mixture to the flour and yeast mixture; mix until incorporated.

Add 3 eggs (previously warmed in water) one at a time to the mixture.

Gradually add 2 to 3 cups of additional flour until the dough is no longer tacky; knead on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until elastic.

Place the dough in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

After rising, dump the dough onto a counter, cut it in half, and work with one half at a time.

Pat the dough into a rectangle shape before rolling it out into a long rectangle, approximately 33 inches long and 2 feet wide.

Spread the walnut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough using an offset spatula, leaving some filling for any light spots.

Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other and pinch the seams to seal.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens