Poppy Seed Roll

Ingredients

• - 4 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• - 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• - 1/3 cup sugar, divided
• - 1/3 cup butter, softened
• - 3 eggs, room temperature
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1 cup ground poppy seeds
• - 1/2 cup milk
• - 1/2 cup sugar
• - 2 tablespoons honey
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - Zest of one lemon
• - 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

1. 1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and let proof for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter.
3. 3. Add the yeast mixture and knead dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
4. 4. Cover dough and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
5. 5. Meanwhile, prepare poppy seed filling: heat milk, sugar, honey, lemon zest, and butter in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.
6. 6. Add ground poppy seeds and vanilla to the milk mixture; cook gently until thickened, then cool.
7. 7. Roll out dough into a rectangle about 12x18 inches.
8. 8. Spread cooled poppy seed filling evenly over dough.
9. 9. Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
10. Place roll seam side down on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan and let rise for 30-45 minutes more until puffy, but not doubled again lightly risen will bake better and keep shape well.