How to Make Delicious Sticky Chocolate, Maple, and Walnut Swirls

Ever had the insatiable craving for something mildly sweet, warm, sticky, and yet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture? You won't need to make a hassled trip to the bakery the next time such a craving hits you -- you could bake up a batch of something far more delicious than the bakery could provide, and all on your own at home. Think velvety liquid chocolate, sweet and sticky maple, and maple pieces all melted together with the added sweet spice of cinnamon -- a succulent dessert perfect for after dinner, breakfast, or a midday snack with coffee, for guests -- or as a secret indulgence all your own. You won't want to share it anyways!

Recipe Serves 12

Ingredients:

* 4 cups all purpose flour

* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)

* 1/4 cup white sugar

* 1 package active dry yeast

* 1 egg yolk

* 1/2 cup water

* 1/4 cup milk

* 3 tablespoons maple syrup (to finish)

For the Filling:

* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

* 1/3 cup light brown sugar

* 1 cup chocolated chips (milk or dark, but I LOVE the taste the dark chocolate brings)

* 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Grease a deep 9 inch springform cake pan. Sift the flour and cinnamon into a bowl, then rub in the butter pieces until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.

2. Stir in the white sugar and yeast. In a measuring cup or bowl, beat the egg yolk with the water and milk, then stir into the dry ingredients to make a soft dough.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then roll out to a rectangle measuring about 16 x 12 inches.

4. For the filling, brush the dough with the melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar, chocolate chips, and nuts.

5. Roll up the dough from one long side like a jelly roll, the ncut evenly into 12 thick slices. Pack close together in the pan and then cut the sides up. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 and a half hours until springy and firm to the touch. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Bake for between 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack. Brush it with maple syrup while still warm. Pull the swirls apart to serve (it'll look like cinnamon buns).

ENJOY!