Stollen

This sweet German favorite is packed with fruits and nuts.

#Stollen #German #Christmas

Serves: 48

Prep Time: 3h 10 mins

Cooking Time: 20 mins

Source: Better Homes Cook Book

Ingredients: 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 1/4 cups milk

½ cup margarine or butter 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 cup raisins or currants ¼ cup diced mixed candied fruits and peels ¼ cup chopped blanched almonds

1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel 1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 tablespoons hot water ½ teaspoon margarine or butter Oven 375° In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups flour, the yeast, and cardamom. In a saucepan heat and stir milk, the ½ cup margarine or butter, the sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt till warm (120° to 130°) and margarine almost melts. Add to flour mixture along with egg. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a spoon, in as much of the remaining flour as you can. Stir in raisins or currants, candied fruits and peels, almonds, and orange and lemon peels. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total) Shape into a ball. Place in a fruits and aImonds, and orange and lemon peels. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place till double (about 1 3/4 hours). Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into thirds. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Roll one portion of the dough into a 10x6-inch oval. Without stretching, fold one of the long sides over to within 1 inch of the oppo site side; press edges lightly to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet; repeat with remaining dough. Cover; let rise till nearly double (about 1 hour). Bake in a 375° oven for 18 to 20 minutes or till golden. Remove from baking sheet; cool 30 minutes. Combine powdered sugar, hot water, and the ½ teaspoon margarine or butter; brush over warm bread. Makes 3 loaves (48 servings).