Pan de Coco

Ingredients:

1 Package of Dry Yeast

3/4 cup warm Whole Milk

1/4 cup Granulated Sugar

1/2 warm water 100-110F

1 Egg

1 tsp Salt

1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted

4 cups All Purpose Flour

1/4 cup Melted Butter, for brushing

For filling:

1 1/2 to 2 cups grated coconut

1 cup sugar

Procedure:

1) In a small bowl, combine the warm water and 1 tbsp of the granulated sugar, sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes till foamy.

2) In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the egg, milk, salt, sugar and melted butter. Add 2 cups of the flour and vanilla and yeast mixture, mix until its all incorporated and slowly add about 2 more cups of flour. Turn the speed up to medium and let it mix for about 5 to 7 minutes or until you have a smooth dough. Or do the manual method. Combine all dry ingredients and set aside. Combine all liquid ingredients including yeast mixture. Add dry ingredients into the liquid ingredients. Mix well. Then knead on a floured clean surface. If the dough is sticky, add more flour till the dough is manageable to knead. Knead for 10 to 15 minutes.

3) Oil a large bowl with vegetable oil and set aside. Take the dough out of the mixer and pull it together with your hands to form a ball. Place it in the oiled bowl and oil the top of the dough with a little vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot preferably inside the microwave or oven to rise for about 2 hours.

4) In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and grated coconut for the filling, refrigerate while waiting for the dough.

5.) Prepare baking tray, brush with melted butter or oil. Set aside.

6.) When the dough doubled in size, punch the dough down to remove air. Divide the dough into 2. Roll 1st half like a log then cut it into 10 equal pieces, then do the same with the 2nd half.

7.). Flatten the dough in your palm using your fingers. Place 1 tbsp. of coconut filling in the center and fold dough edges together and seal seams. Place in prepared tray. Continue the procedure till all the pieces are done.

8.) Cover the tray with cling film or lint free cloth. Leave the dough to rise again for at least 30 minutes.

9.). Meanwhile preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

10.). Once risen, brush them with some melted butter and bake them for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

11.). After baking, brush the bread with melted butter again. Ready to serve and enjoy!