Tuesday, November 11, 2008

TWD: Kugelhopf

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I love it when TWD challenges use equipment I don't already have because it gives me an excuse to buy a new pan or baking gadgets. The thing is, even if I wanted to buy a Kugelhopf pan, I'm pretty sure the stores around me don't carry one. I'm lucky if they carry stuff other than Wilton or Baker's Secret sometimes! Luckily, I had the time last weekend because the initial rise time was nowhere near 1.5 hours... it was more like 4 hours! Waiting for this thing to rise reminded me of when we used to take family trips and my brother and I would constantly ask if we were there yet.. except in this case, I was wondering, has this finally doubled in size yet.

The KA was making some pretty weird noises during the kneading process. I didn't even end up using the medium high speed and stopped the machine before the recommended times. If I ever broke the KA, I would probably cry! Instead of boiling water for the raisins, I just microwaved them in a cup with a splash of water to save time and clean up. I have a love-hate relationship with raisins... love them in oatmeal cookies and bread, not too crazy about them in quick breads and muffins. I think putting the Kugelhopf in the fridge was a bad decision because the dough never ended up rising as nicely as it did initally (and I was so proud when I saw it so puffy even though it took a long time). I had to put the pan on top of the heater in my room to get it to rise... 4 hours later it rose, well sort of. I was going turn the oven to 200F then off and throw the dough in there, but I wanted to keep it covered with saran wrap and a towel so it wouldn't dry out. After that foam fire I had last year in the oven, I wasn't going to leave plastic wrap and a towel into the oven even if it was shut off. A fellow TWDer suggested I put the pan ontop of the stove so I put the pan ontop of the toaster oven when I was warming up my bagel. The dough finally rose (8+ hours + refrigeration later)! It also solved my drying out issue and I didn't have to put things that don't belong in the oven, in the oven.

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Overall, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would considering all the time put into it. I guess that's not too suprising considering I don't really like croissants and these were croissant-tasting to me. I find croissants too flaky and buttery.. the very reason why people actually them.. haha. I'm glad this recipe was chosen though because it was quite the baking experience! I hope I can find my charger soon because taking these pics took forever!

Thanks to Yolanda of The all-purpose girl for choosing this recipe, which can be found on her blog and in Dorie Greenspan's Baking: From my Home to Yours. Don't forget to checkout the TWD Blogroll!

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27 comments:

  1. That is so interesting that it reminded you of a croissant. I love croissants but wasn't a fan of the kugelhopf. Go figure! I agree that the baking time wasn't worth the end result. Not sure I'd make it again but at least I can cross it off my baking list right? :)
    Clara @ iheartfood4thought

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  2. I'm sorry you didn't like it. Your cake sure looks good though.

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  3. Too bad you didn't like this. It sure looks great!! I can't wait to try mine....

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  4. Wow, that was a baking saga. At least you didn't buy a special pan, and then not like it. We loved it, but it was still a long process.
    Nancy

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  5. this looks so nice though. Pity you didn t like it that much .

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  6. The fridge killed my 1st Kugelhopf also. I made it a 2nd time and skipped the fridge!

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  7. It was making noises??? Haha!!! Interesting... here's to a PERFECT baked good that you like, next time :0)

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  8. Sorry you didn't like it - it looks very pretty. And hey, even if it's not a winner, it makes for a good post!

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  9. I gave up on letting mine rise after four hours...but it still turned out well. I liked this, but don't imagine I'll make it again. It was fun to experiment with it, though.

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  10. Glad you did the kugelhopf because I sure didn't. I do not own a stand mixer, and I wasn't going to kill my hand mixer (or my arm) trying to beat it for 10 minutes.

    Foam fire? That reminds me of the time I reheated an Arby's sandwich in the wrapper in the microwave. How was I suppose to know it was aluminum? haha

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  11. I've never tried kugelhopf before - although it has such a cool name! Yours looks delicious though. I agree with you on croissants - not a fan!

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  12. Thanks for showing me what a kugelhopf actually is, I had no idea. I love raisins in most things too, and you gotta admit, cinnamon raisin bread is a beautiful thing :)

    It's too bad it was a bit of a let down, but Steph my bud... you always have cupcakes and triple C's to fall back on :)

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  13. I'm sorry you didn't like this -- it certainly looks beautiful! :)

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  14. Sorry it wasn't your favorite, but it did turn out pretty! And I would cry if my KA died too!

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  15. Well, it certainly looks fabulous. I liked the shortbread, but I'm feeling a little guilty for missing out this week. There's always next week, right? Great job, Steph.

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  16. I totally agree with you that this was quite the baking experience! I also agree that I am not likely to make it often -- I don't think the return is worth the large investment in time (it's good, but not 48 hours worth of work good). It was fun though! I think yours looks wonderful!

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  17. yummy steph this looks really good! you have a really neat blog going here...great food!

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  18. Your pictures are really pretty. I don't know if I would have liked this- I am with you about croissants and such being too buttery. Glad you gave it a try!

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  19. I was surprised how much I liked it. No chocolate and nuts is a warning for me. But the sugary crust, mmm. But if you are not a fan of buttery then I understand. I was surprised that it didn't seem to rise in the fridge at all too. Turning on the oven a little and opening the door to warm the kitchen, set the dough on top and it always seems to work. You photos are nice though.

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  20. Woah Kugelhopf looks delicious. I may just have to buy that Dorie Greenspan book... hm, gotta save up some cash though. Thanks for the kind words on my blog, I will definitely be following yours... all you bakes look delish!

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  21. Wow, it really rose! You lucky woman. Mine was totally finicky.

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  22. This might be one of those cold, wet, winter day projects. So glad you didn't invest in a pan. Bread making can be time consuming . Well we can check that one off the list.
    Happy Baking
    AmyRuth

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  23. Awww! It wasn't all too flaky for me, but I hope you enjoy the rice pudding next! (i'm getting ready my barf bag just in case! i'm Malaysian and we only ever eat rice savoury style!)

    beautiful tho!

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  24. Looks delicious, but you're right it was a long time to make!

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  25. I'm very impressed, and quite a bit jealous :) I've marked this recipe off the book as ambitious, but know I realize that maybe it isn't really.

    Nice photos. Not from the phone surely?

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  26. That is lovely. I agree that it was croissant-like.

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