Delightful Holiday Bread Recipe

Delightful Holiday Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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The first time I made this braided bread for Christmas, everyone loved it. In fact, when my sister-in-law came for a visit the following July, she asked me to teach her to make it. —Cheri Neustifter of Sturtevant, Wisconsin

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Delightful Holiday Bread Recipe

Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.

Yield: 24 Servings

40 30 70

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-3/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons almond extract
2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
5 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons sliced almonds

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, sugar, extract, oil, salt and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; turn once to coat top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into thirds; shape each portion into a 20-in. rope. Place ropes on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray; braid. Pinch ends together, forming a round loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
Beat egg and water; brush over loaf. Sprinkle with sugar and almonds. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack. Yield: 1 loaf (24 slices).

Nutritional Facts 1 slice equals 147 calories, 2 g fat (trace saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 154 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Delightful Holiday Bread in Light & Tasty December/January 2007, p35