Apple, halva & hazelnut buns

Makes about 8-10 buns:

DOUGH

- 350g all-purpose flour
- 180ml warm milk
- 14g fresh yeast
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 60g butter, melted
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp sugar

FILLING

- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 40g natural halva
- 2 medium-sized apples
- tsp of cinnamon

TOPPING

- 60g butter
- 120g hazelnuts, chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar

1. Mix the yeast with warm milk until completely dissolved. In a large bowl combine the flour, eggs, butter, salt, sugar and milk mixture. Knead the dough for couple minutes, form into a ball, cover and let sit for about an hour in warm place.

2. Peel and chop the apples. Mix with cinnamon and set aside.

3. Prepare the topping. In a small saucepan melt the butter and simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly browned and aromatic. When cooled, stir in the hazelnuts and brown sugar. Set aside.

4. Divide the dough into 8-10 balls. Place them on a lined baking tray and flatten with your hands to make a hollow in the middle.

5. Fill the centre with applesauce (about a tbsp each), pieces of halva and chopped apples. Cover and leave to rise. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 190 C/ 374F.

6. When your oven is ready, sprinkle each bun with prepared hazelnut topping and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden-brown. Serve while still warm with a glass of milk or coffee.

BON APPÉTIT !