A Swedish Tea Ring is a sweet flavored, light bread which is made generally as an evening tea snack or a part of a light breakfast. Sometimes, however, it is also served as a dessert. The preparation is easy to shape and not very time consuming. The dish can be prepared in numerous ways and can have both a lightly sweet and a very sugary sweet taste. Both egg-less and with-egg versions of the dish are prepared.
Origin of the Swedish Tea Ring Recipe
The sweet bread has been around for a very long time and while not much is known about its origin, the roots are definitely Swedish (thus the name). It is believed that the bread essentially started as Christmas preparation and was a part of the grand Swedish Christmas feast. Different people re-tell and believe different stories about the origin of the Swedish Tea Ring and there is no single definite tale.
Ingredients Used to Prepare the Bread
The traditional ingredients used to prepare the dish are dry yeast, warm water, butter, sugar, salt, milk, raisins, cinnamon, nuts, egg and brown sugar. People who prepare the vegan version eliminate eggs and replace them with cream or a similar ingredient. Also, vegan milk and vegan butter are used.
Swedish Tea Ring Recipe - Preparation Overview
The Swedish Tea Ring is prepared much like any other sweet bread. The preparation time is about an hour and baking is the method adopted. Generally, the dish is considered a fairly easy preparation, once shaping is perfected. All the ingredients are prepared, mixed together and then baked. The filling and dough are prepared separately and then the two are combined and cooked. Once baked to desired degree, the dish is ready to be served.
Serving and Eating the Sweet Bread
The bread can be served warm, chilled or at room temperature, depending upon individual preferences. Mostly, the preparation is served with tea or as a part of a breakfast meal. However, due to its taste and appearance, some people prefer to consume it as a dessert. Garnish is strictly optional and while some sprinkle nuts before serving the bread, some top the preparation with icing. A well made Swedish Tea Ring combines the sharp flavor of cinnamon with the delicate taste of nuts and raisins.
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