Russian Holiday Bread

Name: Russian Holiday Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 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°); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup 2% milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped blanched almonds; 1/4 cup each chopped candied citron, orange peel and red cherries; 1/4 cup raisins

I modified a recipe I found in a cookbook to create this yeast bread chock-full of raisins and candied fruit. The cardamom gives it marvelous aroma and a delectable flavor. I give loaves of this bread out as gifts during the holidays, and the recipients are always pleased to receive it.—Loraine Meyer, Bend, Oregon

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/4 cup each chopped candied citron, orange peel and red cherries
1/4 cup raisins

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, milk, sugar, butter, salt, lemon zest, cardamom and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Beat in the almonds, citron, orange peel, cherries and raisins. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Shape into two loaves. Place in two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 163 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.

Originally published as Kulich in Taste of Home Christmas Annual 2011