Polish Poppy Seed Loaves

Name: Polish Poppy Seed Loaves
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices each).
Ingredients: 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold butter; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 large egg yolks, room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; FILLING:; 3 tablespoons poppy seeds; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 2 large egg whites; 1/2 cup sugar; ICING:; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Traditionally, these loaves were eaten after sundown on Christmas Eve as part of a 12-course meal. At our house, we never can wait that long to bite into the pretty spiral slices of this tender, coffee cake-like treat.—Linda Gronewaller, Hutchinson, Kansas

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FILLING:
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped candied orange peel
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
ICING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Combine eggs, yolks and yeast mixture; add to crumb mixture and mix well. Beat in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide in half. Roll out into two 12-in. squares; cover with plastic wrap.
In a small skillet, cook and stir poppy seeds and butter over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the raisins, honey and lemon juice. Transfer to a bowl; cool for 10 minutes. Stir in candied orange peel and lemon zest.
In a small bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high just until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold into poppy seed mixture. Spread over each square to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up each square jelly-roll style; pinch seams to seal.
Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over cooled loaves.