Pan aliñado Colombiano (Colombian soft bread)

Pan aliñado is the traditional bread sold at any bakery in Colombia. It is soft on the inside and crunchy outside, buttery and has cheese inside. It is perfect with hot chocolate or coffee for a mid afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons dry active yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 pound cheese cut in 1 inch (quesito colombiano o mozarella)

Preparation

In a pyrex or small bowl warm the milk (100 - 110 F), Dissolve the yeast, add the sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir well and let stand until foamy about 15 minutes.

In a stand mixer bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the butter and using the dough hook mix at low speed for 2 minutes. 

Incorporate the yeast and mix slowly so it doesn't fly out of the bowl. Crack one egg and knead at medium speed for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover and let rise in a warm place (inside the oven with lights on) until it doubles the size (45 minutes to 1 hour).

Flour the working surface, and punch the dough down to remove air. Shape it as a long log and cut it into 5 -6 pieces.

Flatten each piece with a rolling pin to 1/4 inch thick, place 2 pieces of cheese at the lower tip and roll pressing against the working surface.

Make sure that you seal the edges with your fingers so the bread won't deform while baking it. Repeat the process with each bun.

Place the buns on  a baking tray with parchment paper, cover with a kitchen clothe and let rise again in a warm place for at least 45 minutes. They should double their size.

Pre-heat the oven at 365 degrees.

Beat the remaining egg and brush the top surface of the buns.

Place the tray in the middle rack and bake at 365 degrees  for 25 minutes.