Babka ala Strudel

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1
  For the dough, mix 200 g of flour, salt, sugar, yeast, spices, and zest in a stand mixer bowl.
• 2
  In a saucepan, combine milk, water, and butter and heat to about 50 degrees Celsius (it should be warm enough to melt the butter but not boiling). Add to the flour mixture and mix until smooth (use the paddle attachment in the mixer).
• 3
  Mix in the egg and egg yolk and start adding the remaining flour. After a while, switch to the dough hook and knead for about 8-10 minutes. If necessary, add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency (the dough will be sticky but should not be too greasy).
• 4
  Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour.
• 5
  For the filling, mix everything except the apples in a bowl.
• 6
  Roll out the dough on a work surface into a rectangle about 0.5 - 1 cm thick. Spread the filling and add the apples. Roll tightly along the longer side and press the seam (seal the dough). Cut lengthwise into two equal parts, leaving one end connected (leave about 5 cm uncut). Slowly and carefully (so you don't spill the apples) cross one end over the other from left to right (braid into a two-strand braid) and join the strands at the end.
• 7
  Place in a loaf pan lined with baking paper, cover loosely with foil, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 - 40 minutes.
• 8
  Brush with egg, sprinkle with nuts, and bake for about 50 – 60 minutes (top and bottom heat) in an oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Watch the color and cover with foil towards the end of baking if necessary.
• 9
  After baking, immediately brush thoroughly with a mixture of butter, rum, and sugar and let cool in the pan on a rack.