STOLLEN LOAVES

Stollen Loaves image

The recipe for these fresh-baked fruit-dotted loaves comes from my grandmother. They fill our house with a heavenly aroma that is such a part of the season.-Tom Guenther, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 4 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups mixed candied fruit
1 cup raisins
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Confectioners' sugar

Steps:

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar; gradually beat in milk. Stir in yeast mixture. Beat in eggs, 4 cups flour and salt until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Stir in candied fruit, raisins and almonds., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes (dough will be sticky). Place in a grease bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divided into fourths. Shape each portion into a loaf. Place in four greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour., Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 107mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.