Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Pacific with Guam's cherished delicacy, Chamorro Sweet Bread. This traditional treat embodies the island's rich cultural heritage and culinary prowess. Crafted with care and passed down through generations, Chamorro Sweet Bread captivates palates with its soft, pillowy texture and irresistible sweetness. Infused with tropical ingredients like coconut, vanilla, and hints of tangy fruit, each bite is a symphony of flavors that transport you to the sunny shores of Guam. Whether enjoyed as a morning delight with a cup of local coffee or as a comforting snack any time of the day, Guam's Chamorro Sweet Bread is a true taste of paradise.

Here's a recipe for Chamorro Sweet Bread, a delightful treat from Guam:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup warm coconut milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for added flavor)
• Butter or jam, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

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

3- In another bowl, whisk together the warm coconut milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

4- Pour the yeast mixture into the wet ingredients and mix well.

5- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

6- If using sweetened shredded coconut, gently fold it into the dough until evenly distributed.

7- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

8- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

9- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized portions, shaping each into a round ball.

10- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.

11- Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

12- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

13- Bake the risen dough balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

14- Remove the Chamorro Sweet Bread from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

15- Serve the bread rolls warm with butter or jam if desired, and enjoy the soft and slightly sweet flavors of this Guam specialty!

This recipe yields deliciously soft and slightly sweet bread rolls, perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day. Enjoy the taste of Guam with every bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Chamorro Sweet Bread recipe per serving:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 95 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 3.4 g

benefits:

• Source of carbohydrates for energy
• Contains protein for muscle repair and growth
• Provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins

Granulated sugar (1/2 cup):

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

benefits:

• Quick source of energy
• Enhances sweetness and flavor in recipes
• Should be consumed in moderation due to high calorie content

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Sodium: 2300 mg (Daily Value %: 96%)

benefits:

• Enhances flavor in recipes
• Helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function in the body
• Necessary for proper muscle function

Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Leavening agent that helps dough rise
• Contains B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
• May provide small amounts of protein and minerals

Warm water (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and bodily functions
• Helps dissolve ingredients and activate yeast in recipes

Warm coconut milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 10 g

benefits:

• Adds richness and flavor to recipes
• Contains healthy fats that may support heart health
• Provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium

Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 407 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 46 g

benefits:

• Adds richness and flavor to baked goods
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K
• Provides energy and essential fatty acids

Large eggs (2):

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

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium
• Provides healthy fats and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Adds aroma and flavor to recipes
• May have antioxidant properties
• Contains small amounts of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and manganese

Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:

• Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to recipes
• May provide small amounts of vitamin E and healthy fats
• Enhances sweetness without adding sugar

Sweetened shredded coconut (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 283 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Adds texture and flavor to baked goods
• Contains healthy fats that may support heart health
• Provides dietary fiber and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including manganese and copper

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and serving size. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the individual ingredients and not for the entire recipe.