Discover the rich flavors of Luxembourg with our collection of traditional pastries, including the renowned Kougelhopf. Explore easy-to-follow recipes for a variety of sweet treats and cakes that capture the essence of Luxembourgish baking. Perfect for any occasion, these recipes will bring a touch of European elegance to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour

 - 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar

 - 1 tsp salt

 - 1 tbsp active dry yeast

 - 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, warmed

 - 2 large eggs

 - 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened

 - 100g (1/2 cup) raisins

 - 50g (1/4 cup) chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts)

For the Glaze:

 - 50g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar

 - 2 tbsp milk

 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

  - Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  - Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  - Incorporate the softened butter, kneading until fully combined and dough is soft.

  - Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Kougelhopf:

  - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  - Grease a Kougelhopf pan or bundt pan well.

  - Punch down the dough and fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.

  - Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

  - Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Bake:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

  - Allow the Kougelhopf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

  - In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth.

  - Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Kougelhopf.

Enjoy your homemade Kougelhopf and other Luxembourgish pastries as a delightful treat with your coffee or tea!

Nutritional Values

All-Purpose Flour (500g)

  - Calories: 1,820 kcal

  - Protein: 50g

  - Carbohydrates: 380g

  - Fat: 5g

  - Fiber: 10g

Benefits: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Fortified flours often contain additional vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.

Granulated Sugar (75g)

  - Calories: 300 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 75g

  - Benefits: Provides quick energy. However, excessive sugar intake can have negative health effects, so it's best consumed in moderation.

Salt (1 tsp)

  - Sodium: 2,300 mg (daily recommended limit is around 2,300 mg)

Benefits: Essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle function. Excessive intake can lead to health issues like hypertension.

Active Dry Yeast (1 tbsp)

  - Calories: 21 kcal

  - Protein: 3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Provides beneficial microorganisms that help with fermentation, which is essential for the dough’s rise. Yeast also provides B vitamins and minerals.

Whole Milk (250ml)

  - Calories: 150 kcal

  - Protein: 8g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Fat: 8g

  - Calcium: 300 mg

Benefits: Rich in calcium, which is important for bone health, and provides protein and vitamin D.

Large Eggs (2)

  - Calories: 140 kcal

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 10g

Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, E, and B12, and essential fatty acids. Eggs also support muscle health and overall bodily functions.

Unsalted Butter (150g)

  - Calories: 1,065 kcal

  - Fat: 120g

  - Saturated Fat: 75g

Benefits: Provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Use in moderation due to high saturated fat content.

Raisins (100g)

  - Calories: 299 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 79g

  - Fiber: 4g

Benefits: Rich in iron, potassium, and antioxidants. Raisins help with digestion and provide a quick source of energy.

Chopped Nuts (50g)

  - Calories: 290 kcal

  - Protein: 7g

  - Fat: 25g

Benefits: Nuts provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They support heart health and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Powdered Sugar (50g)

  - Calories: 200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 50g

Benefits: Mainly provides quick energy. Like granulated sugar, it should be used sparingly to avoid health issues related to high sugar intake.

Milk (2 tbsp for glaze)

  - Calories: 15 kcal

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Provides a small amount of calcium and protein.

Overall Nutritional Benefits

The Kougelhopf combines various ingredients that offer a range of nutrients. Whole milk and eggs provide essential proteins, fats, and vitamins, while nuts and raisins contribute additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The recipe's balance of ingredients supports overall health but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.

When baking, consider portion sizes to manage intake of calories and fats. Enjoying these pastries as part of a balanced diet allows you to indulge while benefiting from the nutritional values of the ingredients.