I’ve been experimenting with my 2 lb bread machine to see if it can do the hard part in making kozunak, since it’s so delicious, but a LOT of work. After much trial and error, this is what I came up with. The original recipe, from my Bulgarian mother-in-law, is posted separately.
These lovely little dinner or breakfast rolls are found everywhere in Belgium, and in most parts of France too. The last time I had them was a cosy Bed and Breakfast in Bruges, where they were served warm with fresh butter and boiled eggs for breakfast. They can vary in what type of flour is used, but they must always have the distinctive split, due to them being cut with the handle of a wooden spoon before baking. They are crusty and yet light inside, and make great sandwiches for picnics or a light lunch. This recipe is the result of numerous trial and error baking sessions, and the pistolets bread rolls are nutty and full of onion flavour. I start these off in the bread machine for ease when I am pushed for time, but they are just as easily made the more traditional way, mixing and proving by hand. NB: As one reviewer found out, baking can be a challenge, and in most cases an exact science. Do try to stick to the recipe as written – you won’t be disappointed! Thanks!
This is my Vienna bread recipe that is the standard request at potlucks, dinners and my kids favorite (they’d eat this over store bought any day). I do use my bread machine to do the dirty work–but I love the smell of the bread baking from my oven..so I prefer to bake it there. I especially like to make toast with lots of butter the next day (if there is any left). The taste is really good and goes well with any meal.
When I lived in Germany I loved all the different types of breads that were on offer; so many different textures and flavours – lots of them with seeds, onions, cheese and grains. This has to be my all time favourite however – a light and slightly chewy sourdough rye bread with caraway seeds – the very essence of traditional German flavours! This bread has been adapted for the Bread Machine/Maker, and works EXTREMELY well when made this way. However, you can of course make it by hand in the more traditonal manner, as I like to do when I have lots of “bread making time”! This bread makes superb sandwiches and is perfect when served with soups, pates, cold meats, hams, corned beef, cheese and pickles. The “sponge” sourdough starter needs to ferment only overnight, making this a light style sourdough bread. This bread also keeps very well for up to 4 to 5 days.
Your Kitchen Concierge
Recipe finder and budget meal ideas