Name: Poppy-Seed Sweet Bread
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 5 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 2 (12-inch) loaves
Ingredients: 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F); 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 (1/4-oz) package active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons); 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest; 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus additional for dusting and rolling); 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F); 3/4 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 1/4 cups canned poppy-seed filling (12 oz); 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; Accompaniment: vanilla sauce; a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment; parchment paper; an offset spatula

The recipe for this eastern European favorite varies from Russia to Slovenia, but it is always rich, sweet, and dense. Poppy seeds can easily become rancid, so make sure your poppy-seed filling tastes fresh.

Cooks' note:

Loaves can be baked 3 days ahead and kept, wrapped in foil, at room temperature.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.