Preparation

• Put the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in a glass with about 1/4 cup of lukewarm water. Stir well and wait about 10 minutes for the yeast to activate, you’ll notice the abundant foam filling the glass. In a measuring jug with the rest of the lukewarm water, add the oil, salt, and mix well.

  In a bowl, place the sifted flour, add the activated yeast, and begin mixing with your hands. Gradually add the water from the jug and knead with your hands until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.

  Sprinkle some flour at the bottom of the bowl and place the dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap and two kitchen towels, let it rise for about 2 hours in a warm place. When the dough has at least doubled in size, you can start your preparations.

• Take 3.5 oz of dough and divide it into 5 balls of the same size. Place a bit of poppy seeds on the palm of your hand and press the top of the ball onto it to ensure they stick well. Form a flower and let it rise for another half an hour. Bake at 350°F for about 10/15 minutes.

  

• Take about 3.5 oz of dough and divide it into 4 balls. Place flour on a surface and roll out each ball very thinly with a rolling pin.

  Use a cutter to cut 4 large stars, making sure to cut out the small central star as well. Combine the leftover dough with what’s left in the bowl.

  Place the first star in a 12-inch aluminum pan and layer slices of ham, cutting triangles the same size as the star’s points. Place the second star on top and cover with spreadable cheese. Add the third star and make a layer of ham and a layer of spreadable cheese. Cover everything with the fourth star.

  Decorate the star with olives and red pepper strips. Let it rise for another 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

  

• Take the remaining dough and divide it into balls (you should get about 12 balls weighing 1.4 oz each). Roll them out well with a rolling pin and fill each with a teaspoon of spreadable cheese and some pieces of cooked ham. Seal well and form into balls. Follow the same procedure for all balls.

  Spray a 10-inch diameter bundt pan with cooking spray and then dust it with flour. Place the balls inside, brush them with egg yolk, and let them rise for another half an hour. Bake at 350°F for about 25/30 minutes.