Grandma's Povitica (Croatian Nut Roll)

Recipe View Activate the Yeast (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Allow to stand until the yeast softens and forms a creamy foam.

Recipe View Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir lukewarm milk, white sugar, shortening, beaten egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft, easy-to-handle dough forms.

Recipe View First Kneading and Rest (18 minutes): Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and let stand for 10 minutes. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Form the dough into a ball.

Recipe View First Rise (2 hours): Place the dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume.

Recipe View Second Kneading and Rest (15 minutes): Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a ball and let rest for 15 minutes.

Recipe View Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, beat brown sugar, softened butter, and egg together until creamy. Add milk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract; stir until smooth. Incorporate finely chopped walnuts.

Recipe View Assemble the Povitica: On a large, floured cloth, roll the dough into a 20x30-inch rectangle. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, reaching the edges. Roll up tightly along the long edge, like a jelly roll, and pinch the edges to seal. Coil the roll into a snail shape.

Recipe View Second Rise (1 hour): Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking sheet. Place the shaped dough on the prepared sheet and let rise until an impression remains when gently pressed.

Recipe View Bake (40-45 minutes): Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown.