CHRISTMAS WREATH STOLLEN

Christmas Wreath Stollen image

This was a tradition in our family for many years. I used to make one to take to work and another for my husband to take to work. I also got a few orders from folks who wanted one for the holidays. I don't make it as much anymore since we are both retired. Maybe you can start making it as one of your traditions. This is how...

Provided by Linda Griffith

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 21

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Ingredients

1 c currants
1/4 c rum extract or flavoring or rum
1 c cranraisins
1/4 c orange juice
5 1/2 c all purpose flour
6 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 c pecans, finely chopped
1/4 c freshly grated nutmeg
1 c whole milk
10 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 c warm water
2 pkg active dry yeast
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
zest of one orange and one lemon
3/4 c chopped citron
1/4 c dried apricots, chopped
1 can(s) prepared icing, melted
pecan halves and candied cherries for decorations
waterproof plastic bow for decorations

Steps:

1. In two separate bowls, soak currants in rum or rum extract and golden raisins in orange juice; set aside. In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt,sugar, and nutmeg; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup milk and 10 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Let stand until lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Pour 1/4 cup warm water into a small bowl; sprinkle with yeast, and let stand 2 to 3 minutes; stir to dissolve yeast completely. Add the dissolved yeast, warm milk mixture, and eggs to the flour mixture. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, and knead until fairly smooth. Transfer dough to a large bowl. Add currants and raisins in their liquid, orange zest, lemon zest, citron, apricots, and chopped pecans, and then work them into the dough with your hands. Transfer dough to work surface, and knead for about 10 minutes. If the dough is sticky, knead in more flour, but be careful not to overwork. Butter a large bowl with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel; set aside to rise for 30 minutes. Dough will rise only a little bit. Brush dough with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Punch dough down, roll into a rectangle about 30 inches long. With a sharp knife, cut into 3 30 inch strips. Carefully braid the three strips together. Carefully transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet; join ends together, pinching with fingers if necessary to make it stick, forming a large circle. Bake until golden brown and crusty, about 45 minutes, rotating halfway through Remove to a large wire rack to cool.
2. Drizzle the milted icing over the top and decorate with candied cherries and pecan halves. You can pipe on a bow with red icing or you can buy a plastic bow to cover the area pinched together.