Chimney Cake Recipe: Hungarian Kurtoskalacs from Scratch

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1. 1Step 1: If using active dry yeast, add 1/2 teaspoon sugar to lukewarm milk and set aside for 5-10 minutes until it proofs (becomes foamy).
2. 2Step 2: You can use the other yeast types directly along with the flour.
3. 3Step 3: In a large bowl combine flour, sugar and salt. Add egg, milk, melted butter, and yeast. Stir the mixture until it comes together to form a dough, then knead for about five minutes.
4. 4Step 4: It will be sticky. Don't be tempted to add any flour. Grease your hand if needed.
5. 5Step 5: Transfer to a well greased container.
6. 6Step 6: Allow the dough to rise for 60 minutes at room temperature until doubled in volume.
7. 7Step 7: Prepare the rolling pins by covering them with aluminum foil, at least two or three layers, to protect the pins from burning in the oven.
8. 8Step 8: Make sure to cover the rolling pins very well. Brush them with melted butter.
9. 9Step 9: Punch down the dough and divide into 4 equal parts, about 4 oz (115 gm) each.
10. 10Step 10: On a well floured surface spread one portion of the dough.
11. 11Step 11: Shape into a 1/6 inch (4 mm) thick square-shaped sheet.
12. 12Step 12: Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into long ribbons of about 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide.
13. 13Step 13: Wrap one end of the dough strip around the spit/rolling pin, tucking in the end so the dough doesn't unwind.
14. 14Step 14: Keep the dough very thin (under 1/4 inch (6 mm)) as you stretch and wind it on the rolling pin. Then roll the whole thing slightly on the counter top to flatten it/press it together.
15. 15Step 15: Brush with melted butter.
16. 16Step 16: Roll in sugar.
17. 17Step 17: Place in roasting pan and bake in a preheated moderately hot oven 375°F/190C/gas mark 5 for 25 minutes.
18. 18Step 18: If using roast function (375F/190C) in the oven it will take about 20 minutes.
19. 19Step 19: If grilling (broiling) over the fire, cooking time is about six minutes, until it starts to take on a dark golden color. Turn the rolling pin at least once (or more) throughout baking time to ensure uniform cooking.
20. 20Step 20: When cake is done, roll it in sugar again.
21. 21Step 21: For the walnut topping, mix the ground walnuts, sugar and cinnamon together before rolling the cake in it.
22. 22Step 22: If using other toppings, brush more butter, then roll the finished cake in the toppings of your choice.
23. 23Step 23: Tap the mold on a table top to release the cake and set it upright to cool.