Here’s a simple Lucchese dessert to cook and enjoy at any time of the year. If you like anise and raisins and are interested in tasting how these two ingredients blend with the fragrance of bread, you’re in the right place, let’s cook!
Buccellato from Lucca |Sweet Bread with Anise & Raisins
Equipment
- Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 3 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 ⅓ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup milk lukewarm
- ⅓ cup raisins
- 3 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- 1 pinch of salt
- Warm water as needed
For the glaze:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
Instructions
- Soak Raisins: Place the raisins in a small bowl with warm water to soften. After about 10 minutes, drain them.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, create a well with the flour. Add sugar, softened butter, active dry yeast, one egg, and a pinch of salt around the well.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Start mixing by gradually adding the lukewarm milk to the flour mixture. If the dough is too dry, add a bit of warm water until it forms a soft dough.
- Add Flavors: Knead the softened raisins and anise seeds into the dough until evenly distributed.
- First Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 3 to 4 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into one or two cylinders or a traditional ring. Make a shallow cut along the top, then let it rise again for 1 hour.
- Glaze and Bake: Beat the remaining egg with honey or sugar. Brush this glaze over the risen dough. Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 340°F (170°C) for 50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Buccellato: Lucca’s Historic Bread Jewel
I’m wrapping up with a shout-out to the timeless Buccellato from Lucca, a humble yet flavor-packed sweet bread deeply rooted in tradition. Crafted from simple ingredients, its shiny crust belies the soft, fragrant interior bursting with raisins and anise seeds.
Whether enjoyed with morning coffee or as a post-dinner indulgence, Buccellato embodies the essence of Tuscan street food culture. Trust me, it’s a must-try!
Curious about other delectable offerings from Lucca? Dive into the link and prepare for a culinary adventure.