SWEDISH LUCIA BREADS

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Swedish Lucia Breads image

Provided by Trina Hahnemann

Categories     Bread     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Kid-Friendly     Dried Fruit     Raisin     Christmas Eve     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher     Small Plates

Yield Makes 22

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 ounces yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
1/8 ounce saffron
Scant 1 cup butter, melted
2 pounds all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/3 cup raisins
For Finishing
44 raisins
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

  • Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk in a mixing bowl, then add the saffron and keep stirring until the mixture turns yellow. Add the melted butter. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then stir in the sugar and raisins.
  • Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes cleanly from the edge of the bowl. Knead the dough on a floured counter for 10 minutes, until it is shiny but not sticky. Put the dough back in the bowl and let rise for 1 1/2 hours at room temperature.
  • Lightly knead the dough again on a floured counter. Divide into 22 equal pieces. Roll them into sausages then curl the ends so that each piece is shaped like the number eight. Put one raisin in the middle of each circle. Place the breads on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, cover with dish towels, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the risen breads with beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown all over. Let cool on a wire rack. Eat them as they are, or spread with cold butter.

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