Three Kings Bread

Ingredients

Directions

1. 1

   Sprinkle the yeast over ½ cup of warm water in a small bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes, until foamy. Whisk in ½ cup of the flour and cover. Set aside in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix the sugar with the lemon and orange zest, the remaining flour, salt, butter, eggs, and the egg yolks beaten with V&V Supremo® Crema Supremo® Brand Mexican Sour Cream. Add the yeast mixture and continue mixing until the dough is manageable enough to form a smooth yet sticky dough. Lightly dust your work area with flour, place the dough on it, and knead for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a buttered bowl, cover, and let it rest in a warm place for 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. 3

   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Add 1½ cups of V&V Supremo® Chihuahua® Brand Cheese or V&V Supremo® Shredded Mexican 3 Cheese Blend. Knead a few times to combine the cheese with the dough. Shape the dough into a long log and join both ends to form an oval.

4. 4

   Place the oval-shaped dough on a buttered baking sheet. With your fingers, create a channel down the middle of the dough wide enough to hold the filling. Add half of the 2½ cups of cheese, spreading it out as you add it. Add the mixed dried fruits on top, followed by the remaining cheese. Place the plastic figurines inside (optional). Bring the dough together and pinch to seal. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, make the decorative sugar paste by mixing the butter with the confectioners' sugar until creamy. Add the flour and egg yolk and mix until you have a smooth paste. Divide into 6 portions. Cover and set aside.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350°F at least 20 minutes before baking. (This temperature is for a conventional oven.)

7. 7

   Brush the dough ring with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 Tbsp. of V&V Supremo® Crema Supremo® Brand Mexican Sour Cream).

8. 8

   Roll the pieces of sugar paste into strips and place them on top of the pink sugar crystals. Arrange the strips decoratively on the dough ring. Garnish with the guava strips and cherries.

9. 9

   Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F. Reduce the heat to 325°F and bake for 10 more minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

10. 10

    Serve and Enjoy!