Portuguese Sweet Bread Massa Sovada Recipes

MASSA SOVADA (PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD)

Steps:

• Scald the milk by bringing it to nearly a boil.
• Add the sugar, butter, and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
• Set aside and allow to cool.
• Proof the yeast in the warm water. Add to the milk mixture and transfer to a large bowl.
• Beat in the eggs.
• Add the mace and lemon extract.
• Slowly stir in 5-6 cups flour. The dough should be firm and only a little sticky.
• Knead on a floured surface (or with the dough hook on a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
• Put in a greased bowl, covered with wax paper or a clean cloth. Place in a cool place and allow to double slowly, about 3-4 hours.
• Punch, recover, and allow to rise another 1 1/2-2 hours.
• Punch down again and divide into 2 equal portions. Put in greased pans, cover, and allow to rise one more time for about 1 hour or until doubled.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and bake until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped (35-40 minutes).
• Cool on rack.

MASSA SOVADA - PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl dissolve yeast in warm water and allow to proof, about 10 minutes.
• Scald milk and stir in sugar, butter and salt. Stir until butter is melted.
• Combine cinnamon and flour.
• Add half the flour to the milk and mix until smooth.
• Beat 3 eggs and add them and the yeast to the mixture. Continue adding flour to make a soft dough.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and satiny, about 15 minutes.
• Knead raisins in at this point, if using.
• Shape into a ball and place into a well buttered bowl, turning to cover, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
• Punch dough down and divide in half.
• Place in two greased loaf pans and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Beat remaining egg. Brush tops of loaves with egg.
• Bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden and hollow sounding when thumped on the bottom.
• Cool on wire racks.

PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD

Steps:

• Dissolve 3 yeast cakes in 1/2 cup warm water, (not hot). Add 2 cups warm, nonfat milk (or scalded whole milk slightly cooled) and 3 cups flour, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk together and set aside to proof yeast.
• In a separate bowl, add 1dozen fresh eggs, sugar, and lemon juice. Beat well and then add melted butter.
• Add yeast mixture, the remaining flour and 2 tablespoons of salt. Mix well and let rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Continue mixing until dough begins to pull away from bowl or knead with greased hands until dough pulls away from your hands. This takes a while and the dough is sticky unlike bread dough. Place in greased bowl and cover to let rise to double, about 1 to 3 hours.
• Punch down, turn over, and let rise to double a second time.
• Carefully break away about 2/3 pound of dough at a time, rolling dough into a nice loaf shape and place into greased loaf pans. This should make about 5 to 7 nice loafs. Let rise until double in the pans for a third rising.
• Make two to three 1/4-inch slits on the top of each loaf and then brush tops with 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Bake at 325 degrees F for about 10 minutes and then reduce heat to about 300 degrees F for another 25 to 30 minutes.
• Remove loaves from the oven and lay them on their side on a rack for a couple of minutes before removing from the pan.