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Festive German Stollen: A Decadent Christmas Bread Recipe

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Sure! Let’s dive into making a delightful treat: Stollen, a traditional German Christmas bread that’s bound to become a festive favorite. πŸŽ„πŸž

Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

Description: This classic recipe hails from a cherished church cookbook, promising a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Rich with milk, eggs, and an array of fruits and nuts, this Stollen is a labor of love, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.

  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Prep Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours
  • Yield: 5 loaves

Ingredients:

Quantity Ingredient
3 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup water
4 cups flour
10 teaspoons salt
1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon rind
2 tablespoons brandy
5 cups raisins
2 cups citron
1 cup pecans
1 cup dates
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • Start by scalding the milk and allowing it to cool to lukewarm.
    • Dissolve the yeast in water for 10 minutes, then add it to the milk.
    • Gradually add 6 cups of flour sifted with salt to form a soft batter.
    • Let the batter rise until double in bulk.
  2. Incorporate Ingredients:

    • To the risen batter, add 1 1/2 cups of butter, sugar, egg yolks, lemon rind, and brandy. Mix thoroughly.
    • Slowly add 4 cups of flour, working it in until the mixture begins to loosen from the bowl.
    • Knead in the raisins, citron, pecans, and dates until evenly distributed.
  3. Shape and Bake:

    • Divide the dough into five equal parts and shape each into a loaf, placing them in greased pans.
    • Make two rows of slashes across the top of each loaf.
    • Allow the loaves to rise until doubled in size.
    • Bake in a preheated 350Β°F (175Β°C) oven for 1 hour or until golden brown.
  4. Final Touches:

    • Once the bread is removed from the oven and partially cooled, spoon over 1 cup of melted butter, allowing it to soak into the bread.
    • Sprinkle the loaves generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
  5. Storage:

    • After cooling completely, store the Stollen in a cool place for 2 to 3 days to allow the flavors to mellow and develop.

This Stollen recipe is a true labor of love, embodying the spirit of the holiday season with its rich flavors and festive aromas. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or after a few days of mellowing, each slice is sure to evoke memories of warmth and joy. Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the ultimate holiday indulgence. Enjoy! πŸŽ…πŸΌβœ¨

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