German stollen

Yield: 2 Servings

Ingredients:

1/2 c Raisins
1/2 c Candied red cherries halved
1/4 c Currants
1/4 c Candied citron diced *
1/4 c Rum
4 1/2 c Flour all-purpose
2 Yeast active dry packages
1 c Milk
1/4 c Butter or margarine
1/4 c Sugar
1/2 ts Salt
2 Eggs
1 tb Orange peel finely shredded
2 ts Lemon peel finely shredded
1/2 c Almonds

Instructions:

blanched chopped Confectioners' glaze ** * Candied citron or citrus peel diced ** Confectioners' glaze or powdered sugar ~ In a medium bowl combine raisins cherries currants citron or citrus peel and rum. Set aside. In a large mixer bowl combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour and yeast. Heat milk butter sugar and salt over low heat stirring constantly until warm (120F to 130F). Add to dry ingredients along with eggs and fruit peels. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute scraping sides of bowl. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in fruit-rum mixture almonds and enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (5 to 6 minutes). Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl turning once. Cover. Let rise until double (1 hour). Punch dough down. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface roll each half to a 10x8-inch oval. Fold lengthwise in half so the top half overlaps to within 1/2 inch of the bottom half. Press folded edge firmly. Place about 4-inches apart on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise until double (45 minutes). Bake in a 375F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar or spread with Confectioners' Glaze and decorate with candied cherries. Makes 2 loaves. CONFECTIONERS' GLAZE Mix 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk. Add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time until spreading consistency. Tops Grocery Store Ad flyer. November 12 1991 Holiday Specialties from Around the World