TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY FRUIT BREAD

Traditional Holiday Fruit Bread image

Provided by billy haze

Time 4h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 c lukewarm water ( 95 to 105 f)
1/3 c butter
1/3 c granulated sugar
1/4 c plus 2 tablespoons of milk
1/2 tsp salt
2 medium eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp lemon zest, grated
3-3 1/2 c all purpose flour
1/3 c golden raisins
2 Tbsp white wine or water
1/2 c mixed candied fruit, chopped
1/3 c almonds, chopped ( about 1 1/2 ozs)or pecans

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat butter,sugar,milk, and salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until butter has melted and sugar has dissolved. Cool to warm ( 105 to 115 F)
3. Stir butter mixture into yeast mixture. stir in eggs and lemon zest. Stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
4. On a floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic,(5 to 10 minutes), adding more flour to prevent sticking. Place dough in a large greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with a damp cloth, let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours)
5. Mix together raisins and wine (or water), let stand one hour.
6. Grease a baking sheet. Drain raisins. Mix together raisins mixed dried fruit and nuts.
7. Punch down dough. On a floured surface, knead fruit mixture into the dough until evenly distributed. 10 minutes.
8. Using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into an 18 by 12 inch oblong shape. Fold dough over lengthwise. Place on a the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with a damp cloth, let rise in a warm place until doubled (1 Hour)
9. Preheat oven to 375 F . Bake stollen until golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Transfer stollen to a wired rack to cool. Dust with confectioners sugar.