| Swiss Christmas Bread
| Yields: 18 servings |
"Dotted with raisins, candied cherries, nuts and citron, this spicy, sweet yeast bread makes a pretty holiday party offering." INGREDIENTS: | 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground mace 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 cup milk 1/2 cup water | 1/4 cup margarine 1 egg 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup halved candied cherries 1/4 cup candied citron peel 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 teaspoon white sugar | DIRECTIONS: | 1. | In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter or margarine until warm. | | 2. | In large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, mace, and cloves; mix well. Stir in warm milk mixture and egg. Blend with an electric mixer at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in raisins, cherries, citron, nuts, and enough remaining flour to make a firm dough. | | 3. | Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 5 to 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. | | 4. | Punch dough down. Shape into a round loaf, and place in a greased 2 quart casserole. Cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Brush top of loaf with melted butter, and sprinkle lightly with 1 teaspoon sugar. | | 5. | Bake at 375 degrees F ( 190 degrees C) for 40 to 45 minutes, until deep golden brown. If too dark, cover loosely with foil last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Cool. | |
