Poppy Seed Filling and Perfect Yeast Dough.

Poppy Seed Filling

This luscious poppy seed filling is made with ground 

poppy seeds and a rich creamy custard, an European staple.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cup poppy seeds
1 cup milk
4 oz butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten

Directions:

Grind the poppy seeds in a mill or coffee grinder.

Combine the milk, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Turn the heat to low and stir the mixture often until the sugar dissolves.

Slowly, whisk in the eggs and continue to stir the mixture until it begins to thicken (it should resemble the consistency of sweetened condensed milk).  Note: If you let the mixture sit too long, the eggs will cook and begin to scramble.

Add the poppy seeds into the sauce pan and stir to combine. Remove the poppy seed filling from heat and allow it to cool at room temperature. 

Once it's completely cooled, transfer the filling to an airtight container and store it for up to a week. Enjoy it spread on toast or added to your favorite baked goods!

The Perfect Yeast Dough For Baking

Ingredients:
2 cup milk
1 1/2 tbsp dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
6 cup flour (Canadian flour works best for baked pastries)
3 tbsp oil

Directions:

Combine yeast together with warm milk and one tablespoon of sugar. Let ingredients rest on a counter for about 10 minutes.

Add eggs, mayonnaise, salt and sugar into the mixture, whisking together to combine. 

Mix in flour using Kitchen aid mixer or a spatula, in small portions. Once the flour is all mixed in, add oil to the mixture. It is important to add oil last, as the texture of the dough turns out better. 

Knead the dough until it is elastic, at least for 10 minutes. Let dough rise for about an hour.