Brooks' Birthday Babka

Bubbies Babka
by Penny Rich
1 large, 2 medium, or 3 loaf pans loafs

Every July Bubbies Babka becomes Brooks' Birthday Babka or as she calls it "Chocolate Bread" Happy Birthday Brooks.

1 1/2 cups water, warm
2 tablespoon yeast
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon each almond and lemon extract
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk powder
1 cup butter, room temperature
6 cups all purpose flour

Before the rise......

after the rise.
Filling
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter

Time for the whizzing to begin.

Roll out the dough.

Then spread the chocolate mixture on and roll up.

2nd rise

Egg Wash – 1 egg, 1 tablespoon water

Mix water, yeast, and sugar together in a bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Begin mixing in the rest of the ingredients through the butter, slowly. Add 1 cup of flour at a time until the dough forms a smooth mass. Turn mixer off and allow to rest for 20 minutes. Mix again for 5 minutes and remove to an oiled bowl. Cover and allow dough to rise for 1 hour. Make the filling by whizzing all the ingredients in a food processor until it forms a loose paste. Hand knead the dough and form one two or three rectangles. Cover with chocolate paste and roll into log shape sealing the sides and end. Place on a baking sheet or loaf pans and cover with a damp towel. Allow to rise for 30 minutes. Before baking top with egg wash. Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes for a medium loaf, 60 minutes for a large loaf. Cool before slicing.