Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cake, is a traditional Hungarian pastry that has become popular not only in Hungary but also in many other countries around the world. This delightful treat is known for its unique cylindrical shape, golden-brown crust, and sweet, doughy interior. Kürtőskalács is often enjoyed as a street food snack or dessert at festivals, fairs, and Christmas markets. Its name, Kürtőskalács, is derived from the Hungarian words "kürtő" (chimney) and "kalács" (cake), referring to its chimney-like appearance.

The preparation of Kürtőskalács involves wrapping a strip of sweet, yeasted dough around a wooden or metal cylindrical mold. The dough is then coated with sugar and other toppings, such as cinnamon, chopped nuts, or cocoa, before being baked over an open flame or in an oven. As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes, creating a crisp, sweet outer layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft and fluffy interior. The result is a delightful pastry that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the craving for something warm and comforting.

Recipe for Kürtőskalács:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 7g (1 packet) dry yeast
• 250ml warm milk
• 100g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 100g unsalted butter, softened

For Coating:

• 100g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter.
3. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which should take about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare your cylindrical molds. If you don't have specific Kürtőskalács molds, you can use metal or wooden skewers.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, approximately 1-2 cm in diameter.
8. Roll the dough ropes in granulated sugar and, optionally, ground cinnamon or chopped nuts.
9. Wrap each sugared dough rope around a cylindrical mold, starting at the bottom and spiraling upwards.
10. Place the prepared Kürtőskalács on the lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
11. Remove the Kürtőskalács from the molds and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Kürtőskalács while they are still warm!

These sweet, spiral delights are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they capture the essence of Hungarian tradition and flavor. Enjoy your Kürtőskalács with a hot beverage or as a delightful dessert any time of the year!

nutritional values for Ingredients:

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (500g):

• Calories: 1,750 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 375g
• Dietary Fiber: 15g
• Fat: 2g

Dry Yeast (7g):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Warm Milk (250ml):

• Calories: 122 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 5g

Granulated Sugar (100g):

• Calories: 387 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Salt (1 tsp):

• Negligible calories, protein, carbs, and fat

Eggs (2 large eggs):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 10g

Unsalted Butter (100g):

• Calories: 717 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 81g

For the Coating:

Granulated Sugar (100g):

• Calories: 387 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp, optional):

• Negligible calories, protein, carbs, and fat

Chopped Nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts, optional):

• The nutritional values for nuts will vary depending on the type and quantity used. Generally, nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for nuts will depend on the specific nuts and quantities you choose to add to your Kürtőskalács. It's always a good idea to check the nutrition labels on your ingredient packages for more accurate information.