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Christmas Bread
SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS FRUIT BRAIDS
| 5 c. flour divided | 1/2 c. butter, softened |
| 1/3 c. sugar | 2 eggs (at room temp.) |
| 2 pkgs. quick-rising dry yeast | 3/4 c. mixed diced candied fruits |
| 1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel | 1/2 c. golden raisins |
| 3/4 tsp. salt | 1/2 c. coarsely chopped walnuts |
| 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom | vanilla glaze (recipe follows) |
| 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg | whole walnuts for garnish |
| 1 c. milk |
In a large bowl combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, lemon peel, salt, cardamom nutmeg; mix well. In a small saucepan combine milk and better; heat just until very warm to the touch. Butter does not need to melt completely. Pour liquid into flour mixture; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and 1 cup flour; beat at high speed for 2 minutes. With a wooden spoon stir in fruits, chopped walnuts and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes. Punch down dough. Divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Using 3 ropes at a time, shape into braids. Place on 2 greased cookie sheets. Cover; let rise until double in bulk, about 40 minutes. Preheat oven to 350*. Bake until bread sounds hollow when tapped with knuckles, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on wire racks. spoon vanilla glaze over top of braids and decorate with walnuts. Makes 2 braids.
VANILLA GLAZE: In a small bowl stir together 1 14 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth.
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