Cooking from Scratch is now on facebook! Click here to check it out!

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Chocolate Pastry Braid


I have been experimenting quite a bit lately with incorporating chocolate in breakfast pastries. There is no reason that chocolate cannot be a viable part of a special breakfast! This pastry is similar to my Pecan Praline Weave. I absolutely love that pastry, but I started wondering what else I could put in there. And I wondered what other types of dough recipes I could try. This is the result of that experimentation. I love how easy the dough is to make. It is easy to work with when the dough is cold and the filling is very chocolaty. The pastry is not overly sweet. It is rich and decadent, but not cloying in any way. I adore it!

I also love how easy it is to shape. It looks so amazing, you might be tempted to think it would be hard to put together, but it really isn't at all. Roll the dough out into either one large or two smaller rectangles. Use a pizza cutter to cut 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide strips along both edges of the long edges of the dough. It helps to imagine the dough as being folded in a tri-fold manner. Spread the filling down the middle third. To keep the pastry very pretty, I cut the last strip on each side on both ends off. This allows me to fold over the end of the middle third for a nice, well kept look.


Brush the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. They're completely optional, but I think the almonds add a certain je ne sais quoi. Another great thing about this bread is that it really doesn't need to sit to rise after the pastry is put together. This allows it to be easily made in the morning fairly quickly. I make the dough the night before and put it in the refrigerator. In the morning, I roll the dough out and put together the pastry. I then immediately put it in the oven, and thirty minutes later, I have chocolate pastry nirvana. Not bad!!


Hello, chocolate. How are you doing? Man, do I need more excuses to make this thing.



Chocolate Pastry Braid
Yield: Approx one 20x6 inch braid or two 10x6 inch braids

For the dough:
2/3 whole milk, lukewarm
5 TBS sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
2 large eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
1/2 cup flour

For the filling:
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1/4 cup butter
2 TBS heavy cream

1 egg mixed with 1 TBS water
1/4 cup sanding sugar
sliced almonds (optional)

In a stand mixer, add all ingredients except for the final 1/2 cup of flour. Using the paddle attachment, mix until the dough is well mixed and fairly smooth. Switch to the dough hook, and while on speed 2, add the remaining flour. Let mixer knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, until it is very smooth. It will still be very sticky. Put into a greased container and cover tightly. This dough will easily double over night, so be sure to use a large enough container. Refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

When ready to assemble the pastry, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Generously flour the counter and roll out the cold dough into one very large rectangle (or divide the dough in half and roll into two smaller rectangles). Consider transferring dough onto a piece of parchment (this helps transfer the finished pastry onto the baking sheet, especially if your kitchen is hot or you take a while to assemble the pastry). Place all filling ingredients into a microwave safe bowl. Heat gently in the microwave, stirring regularly, until the mixture is smooth. Spread evenly in the middle third (long ways) of the dough. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough in 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide strips on each side of the middle third (see picture above). Remove the last strip on each side on both ends. Fold over the middle end of the dough on each end and then alternately lay the strips across the chocolate. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle liberally with sanding sugar. If desired, sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Immediately place in the preheated oven. Bake until puffed and golden, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Keeps well, tightly covered, for 2-4 days.

26 comments:

  1. Great opportunity for the pastry lovers! I would like to try this at my breakfast as it looks simple and easy to make.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Easy and quick to made for breakfast and the kid will love the taste of chocolate in pastry

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a great blog. I am loving the pictures that you have posted. The recipe seems great, i should give it a try soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Chocolate pastery is not an easy recipe. It takes much time and efforts especially the dough thats why i usually prefer to make on special occasions only.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really loved doing these... they are fun to make and delicious to eat! Everyone loved them here. :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Typically the post is very nice. My spouse and i liked your own personal post a lot. You have contributed such a great piece of tasted recipes that any individual can do by making use of your blog. You could have given it throughout very simple technique.
    Check below

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice Recipe...! thanks for sharing, it really helps to know about things.
    Baking classes in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's really something extraordinary. It’s like thinking out of the box and producing this kind of excellent stuff in front of everybody. Really very impressive.
    Cooking

    ReplyDelete
  9. Coming to the Blog is definitely a great step. Hope you post worth sharing content here.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice post. Thank you for this wonderful sharing

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have done it really well. You have to post many more blogs here all of your blogs are full of creativity and That is just amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. You have done it really well.Escorts in Lahore
    You have to post many more blogs here all of your blogs are full of creativity and That is just amazing.
    Booking :03200707073
    Visit :http://escortsserviceinlahore.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Welcome to Escorts Girls Provider. We Provide Cheap Escorts, Models, Call Girls, Housewives, Sexy, VIP, Hot, and Luxury escorts. Call us now for Booking: 03001266969 Pakistan Call girls

    ReplyDelete
  14. We Provide Best Escorts and Call girls in all Cities, Hotels and Local areas of Pakistan. Call us now for Booking: 03001266969 Lahore Sexy Call Girls

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for Sharing information this information is very helpful and useful for me and other persons. I like your work. when you feel free to check my webpage. custom magnetic gift boxes wholesale deluxeboxes.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. You will never regret your decision after choosing our VIP Call Girls In lahore as we have the most sexually active high quality call girls who are really engaged in providing full satisfaction to all your erotic needs. Escorts in Hilton Suites Lahore

    ReplyDelete
  17. The information you have provide is very helpful and thanks for sharing. I have good experience with Escorts in Karachi too I hope you want to try their services. Escorts in Hotel Crown Inn

    ReplyDelete
  18. We comprehend that our customers have a broad scope of necessities and want. With such countless escorts to choose from. We ensure that you can discover someone that you always wanted. Above all, we would make you encased. Our lovely and Professional Escorts in Lahore will satisfy you. The entirety of your sexual longings. As the best agencies and Company, our Naughty and Independent Escort in Lahore. We have the ideal ladies. We would offer you the Big Boobs and hot bodies at a low cost.
    Lahore Cheapest Escorts

    ReplyDelete
  19. The Escorts industry is popular for the services and treatments that it offers its customers. You can get the benefits from us that range from intimate services to body messages. However, our Luxury Escorts in Islamabad are also well-known for being the picture-perfect mate for appearing in social events. If you have the plan to attend distinct occasions like business meets and trips, then our Top Escorts would certainly strengthen your presence.
    find a girlfriend in islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  20. Are you looking for Luxury Escorts in Karachi? If so, you can check out our website. We would offer you the Hot and sexy Escorts in Karachi. We have high-class escorts who have been working with us for many years. They accurately know what gentlemen actually want. We are among the top-performing escort agencies in Karachi. However, we have a great record, and we have some marvelous clients.
    call girl in karachi

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for Sharing information this information is very helpful and useful for me and other persons. I like your work. when you feel free to check my webpage. luxury candle boxes deluxeboxes.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey, great blog, but I don’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me please? Rent a car in Islamabad

    ReplyDelete
  23. Before Commenting, I wanna say thank you for providing this great information. I feel too good to read it this awesome blog. Keep sharing this type of content Rent a Prado in Islamabad
    Rent a Land Cruiser in Pakistan

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am new to your site. which is quite surprisingly good. soo let me tell you about our business.pre-roll packaging. UrgentBoxes is a company that offers diverse solutions for any problems you may have regarding custom packaging. They manufacture customized boxes at reasonable prices.for more details:
    Custom Boxes
    Sleeve Boxes
    Candle Packaging

    ReplyDelete
  25. If you're experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it's important to speak with a doctor or therapist: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating, recurrent thoughts about death or suicide, changes in appetite or weight, sleep problems (insomnia or excessive sleep), increased irritability or anger. It's also important to note that not all people who are depressed will experience all of these symptoms. In fact, half of all people who are depressed will not experience any sign at all.

    ReplyDelete