Ingredients
1 cup butter, cubed1/2 cup 2% milk3 large egg yolks, room temperature, beaten2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon sugar1/4 teaspoon saltFILLING:2 cups ground walnuts2 cups chopped dates1/4 cup 2% milk3 tablespoons plus 1 cup sugar, divided1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon3 large egg whites, room temperatureConfectioners’ sugar, optional
Preparation
In a small saucepan, melt butter with the milk; cool. Stir in egg yolks until blended. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; add butter mixture and yeast mixture. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes (dough will be sticky). Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the nuts, dates, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon. Cook and stir until mixture forms a paste. Transfer to a large bowl.
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Fold into nut mixture.
Cut dough in half; on a floured surface, roll 1 portion into a 20-inch square. Spread with half of the filling. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style. Place, seam side up, in a greased 10-in. tube pan. Repeat with second portion; place, seam side down, over the first roll-up in the pan (layers will bake as 1 loaf).
Bake at 350° until golden brown, 60-70 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
