Ensaymada

A pastry or a brioche made with butter (instead of lard) and topped with grated cheese
and sugar.

Ingredients

In Dough:

1/3 cup refined sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup butter

In Sponge:

1 egg
1 tablespoon refined sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 egg yolk
1 teaspoon instant yeast

In Topping:

grated cheese
melted butter
sugar

How to Cook:

• Mix sponge ingredients in a mixing bowl. Combine until blended and knead until dough is smooth. Shape into ball, cover wit damp cloth and let rise for 2 hours.
• Put the dough ingredients except butter in a mixing bowl. Blend until well blended. Add the sponge and the butter. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Shape into ball. Put in a bowl, cover with damp cloth and let rise again until double in bulk.
• Punch dough and divide equally into 8 pieces. Shape into balls, cover with damp cloth and let rise for 30 minute Roll out each piece thinly into 8 x 5 inch rectangles. 
• Brush surfaces with butter. Roll into long rods and twirl into shape, locking the ends to seal. Place on greased ensaymada molds. Let it rise for 2 hours until doubles in size.
• Bake at 325 F for about 10 minute or until light golden brown. Cool slightly and brush with melted butter. Top with grated cheese and sprinkle with sugar.