VAISIU PYRAGAS -- FRUIT BREAD (LITHUANIA)

Vaisiu Pyragas -- Fruit Bread (Lithuania) image

Provided by Sydney Mike

Time 1h30m

Yield 2 large loaves, 30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 1/2 cups milk, warm
8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 ounces unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 lb dried fruit, chopped fine
1 1/2 cups light raisins
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted (again)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (again)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

In a large bowl whisk together yeast, JUST 1/2 cup of the sugar, milk, JUST 3 cups of the flour & salt, combining until smooth, then cover & let stand for 1 hour.
After the 1 hour, add the 4 ounces of melted butter, eggs, another 1/2 cup of sugar & the remaining flour, & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes.
Add chopped fruits, raisins & nuts & knead until well incorporated, then cover & let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
In a small container, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon & set aside, then grease two large loaf pans.
Divide dough in half &, on a lightly floured surface, roll each half, one at a time, into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches.
Spread each half with melted butter & the sugar/cinnamon mixture, then roll the dough up lengthwise & tuck in the ends before placing them in the prepared loaf pans.
Cover pans with greased plastic wrap & let rise until doubled.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F & bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F & bake 50 minutes longer.
Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, the loaves can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a vanilla icing.