Cooking Class: Croatian Poppy Seed Roll recipe

Special days like Easter call for special treats, so let makovnjaca, a sweet traditional Croatian bread, be the star. When sliced, its swirls of poppy seeds make a dramatic presentation. Serve for brunch or enjoy it with an afternoon cup of tea.

Ingredients
3/4 cup (175 mL) milk
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 mL) active dry yeast
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
2-3/4 cups (675 mL) all-purpose flour (approx)
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
2 eggs, beaten
Poppy Seed Filling:
1 cup (250 mL) poppy seeds
3/4 cup (175 mL) milk
1/3 cup (75 mL) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (50 mL) liquid honey
2 tbsp (25 mL) currants or chopped raisins
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
1 tsp (5 mL) grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon
1 tbsp (15 mL) amber rum or water
Topping:
1 egg

Variation - Croatian Walnut Roll (Orehnjaca):
Filling: In food processor, blend 2-1/4 cups (550 mL) chopped walnuts; 1/3 cup (75 mL) granulated sugar; 1 tbsp (15 mL) liquid honey; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter, melted; 2 tbsp (25 mL) currants or raisins; and 1 tbsp (15 mL) amber rum or water.