Meals That Matter
For Chef César Alejandro, food has always been about bringing people together. When his family stayed at Ronald McDonald House Barcelona during his son’s illness, he discovered a new kind of kitchen—one where comfort, community, and care were the key ingredients.
Roscón de Reyes Recipe from Ronald McDonald House Spain
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- ⅓ cup milk warmed
- ⅓ cup water warmed
- 6 tablespoons room temperature butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon brandy or rum
- 1 egg white
- 2 cups assorted candied fruit (citrus peel, dates, figs)
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, then make a well in the middle.
- Warm the milk and water to around 115°F (46°C), then stir in the yeast until dissolved. Pour into the well and mix with some flour to create a thick batter. Sprinkle flour on top, cover, and let rest until spongy (about 15 minutes).
- Cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, brandy, orange zest, and a splash of water to the dough. Mix until elastic and slightly sticky, then incorporate the creamed butter and sugar until smooth.
- Shape into a ball, place in a bowl, cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
- Grease a large baking sheet for later use.
Shaping the Roscón
- Punch down the dough, knead for 2–3 minutes, then roll into a rectangle (about 2 ft x 6 in / 60x15 cm).
- Roll up from the long side to form a log, pinch the seam, and shape into a wreath. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise until nearly doubled (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Decorating & Baking
- Brush with beaten egg white and decorate with candied fruit, pressing gently.
- Bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Slice and serve.
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