Baking Two Irresistible Pastries Simultaneously! How To Make Pear Pie and Swiss Sunday Bread

Watch Sylvia Uchi at home baking Pear Pie and Swiss Sunday Bread or Zopf, on her YouTube channel above

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts and aspiring bakers! Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share with you two mouthwatering pastry recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Join me as we embark on a culinary adventure in the kitchen, baking up a storm and creating delectable treats that will leave you craving more. So without further ado, let's roll up our sleeves, preheat those ovens, and dive into the world of homemade pastries!

Recipe 1: Pear Pie

Ingredients:

• 6-8 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• 2 prepared pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Additional granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the pears are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Set aside.

3. Roll out one of the prepared pie crusts and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Press the crust firmly into the bottom and sides of the dish, trimming any excess dough if necessary.

4. Spoon the pear filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Dot the top of the filling with the pieces of butter.

5. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges of the crusts together to seal the pie.

6. Use a sharp knife to make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with additional granulated sugar for a golden, crispy finish.

8. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then transfer it to the preheated oven.

9. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and thickened.

10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

    Recipe 2: Swiss Sunday Bread or Zopf

    Ingredients:

    • 4 cups all-purpose flour

    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

    • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)

    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

    • 2 large eggs, beaten

    • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

    • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

    • Pearl sugar (for topping, optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Activate the Yeast:

       • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

    2. Mix the Dough:

       • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs.

       • Using a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.

       • If using raisins, gently knead them into the dough until evenly distributed.

    3. Knead the Dough:

       • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step.

    4. First Rise:

       • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

    5. Shape the Loaf:

       • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a round loaf.

       • Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

    6. Preheat the Oven:

       • While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    7. Egg Wash and Topping:

       • Brush the risen loaves with beaten egg wash to give them a golden shine.

       • If desired, sprinkle pearl sugar over the top of each loaf for added sweetness and texture.

    8. Bake:

       • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

       • Transfer the baked loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Our baking adventure has been a resounding success! From the buttery perfection of the classic croissants to the indulgent decadence of the chocolate babka, each pastry is a testament to the joys of homemade baking. So why not roll up your sleeves, dust off your apron, and give these recipes a try? I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

And remember, if you do decide to try your hand at these delicious pastries, be sure to leave me a comment below and let me know how it goes. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can't wait to hear about your baking adventures!

Watch the video and try your hand at baking these delicious pastries! Don't forget to leave a comment and thumbs up if you enjoy the recipes. Happy baking!