Indulge in the enchanting flavors of Hungary with Kürtőskalács, affectionately known as chimney cake. This delectable sweet pastry takes on a unique form, cooked to perfection on a spit, resulting in its distinctive spiral shape. Each golden-brown layer is delicately coated with sugar, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether enjoyed plain or adorned with various toppings such as cinnamon, nuts, or even chocolate, Kürtőskalács promises a delightful culinary adventure through the streets of Hungary. Dive into this irresistible treat and experience the rich tradition and irresistible taste that has captivated both locals and travelers alike for generations.

Here's a recipe for making Kürtőskalács at home:

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 250ml warm milk
• 7g active dry yeast
• 100g granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Granulated sugar for coating

Instructions:

1- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

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

3- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4- Mix everything together until a smooth dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface.

5- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

6- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into smaller portions.

7- Take each portion and roll it into a long rope, about 1 inch thick.

8- Wrap the dough rope around a Kürtőskalács mold or a thick wooden dowel, slightly overlapping the layers.

9- Roll the wrapped dough in granulated sugar, making sure to coat it evenly.

10- Place the prepared Kürtőskalács on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

11- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

12- Once the Kürtőskalács have risen again, bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

13- Remove the Kürtőskalács from the oven and let them cool slightly before carefully removing them from the molds or dowels.

14- Serve the Kürtőskalács warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Hungarian delicacy!

Note: You can also customize your Kürtőskalács by adding different toppings such as cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even chocolate drizzle before baking. Experiment with flavors to create your own unique twist on this classic Hungarian treat!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients listed in the Kürtőskalács recipe:

All-purpose flour (500g):

• Calories: 1,775
• Protein: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 375g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 15g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
• Contains protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains fiber for digestive health and satiety.

Warm milk (250ml):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g

benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium, essential for bone health.
• Provides protein for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.

Active dry yeast (7g):

• Calories: 23
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Acts as a leavening agent to help the dough rise and create a light texture.
• Contains B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism.
• Provides small amounts of protein.

Granulated sugar (100g):

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

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and flavor to the Kürtőskalács.
• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Eggs (2 large):

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

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Rich in vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.
• Provide essential minerals like iron and selenium.

Unsalted butter (100g):

• Calories: 717
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 81g

benefits:

• Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Contains healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Provides fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of the Kürtőskalács.
• Contains antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
• May have calming effects on the nervous system.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

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

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness of ingredients, and specific recipe variations. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are for the entire batch of Kürtőskalács dough, so you may need to divide them by the number of servings you get from the recipe to determine the nutritional values per serving.