Christmas Braid

Christmas Braid Recipe - A Delicious Holiday Treat

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30-45 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Christmas Braid is a festive and delicious bread that is perfect for the holiday season. This braided bread is filled with warm spices, raisins, and almonds, making it a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.

History

The Christmas Braid recipe has its origins in European holiday traditions, where braided breads are a common treat during the Christmas season. The braided shape of the bread symbolizes unity and togetherness, making it a perfect addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients

5 cups flour
2 packs active dry yeast
1 cup milk
0.67 cup brown sugar
0.33 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 egg white
1 tsp star anise seeds
1 tsp lemon zest
1 cup seedless raisins
1 egg yolk
0.25 cup blanched almonds

How to prepare

Combine yeast and 2.5 cups of flour in a mixer bowl. Mix well.
Combine milk, brown sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan over low heat.
Heat the mixture to 120°F, then remove from heat.
Stir the heated mixture into the flour mixture.
Add eggs, egg white, anise seeds, and lemon zest.
Beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
Stir in as much flour as you can by hand.
Add raisins and turn out onto a lightly floured board. Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic, shaping it into a ball.
Place the dough into a greased bowl and turn it once.
Cover and allow it to rise for 60–90 minutes, until doubled in size. Punch down the dough, divide it in half, and let one half rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the remaining half into half again.
Cut one half into thirds.
Roll each third into an 18-inch rope.
Loosely braid the ropes and place them onto a greased cookie sheet.
Divide the other half into fourths.
Roll three of the fourths into 14-inch ropes.
Loosely braid the 14-inch ropes and place them on top of the 18-inch braid.
Cut the remaining fourth into three pieces.
Roll each piece into a 12-inch rope.
Loosely braid the 12-inch ropes and place them on top of the 14-inch braid. Tuck the ends under.
Repeat the process with the other half of the dough.
Cover and let it rise for 30–45 minutes.
Brush with egg yolks and sprinkle with almonds.
Remove from the oven.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a fruity twist.
Substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
Drizzle the bread with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to help it double in size.

- Brushing the bread with egg yolks before baking will give it a beautiful golden color.

- Serve the Christmas Braid warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Braid with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. It can also be enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic is key to a light and fluffy texture.

- Braiding the dough in different lengths creates a beautiful and intricate design.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

- Substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free version.

- Replace raisins with dried cherries or currants for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Christmas Braid can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight. Simply let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Braid on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Braid pairs well with a variety of beverages such as hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider. It also goes well with a cheese platter or charcuterie board for a savory contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Braid in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Braid contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Braid contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Braid contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Braid contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Braid is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Christmas Braid contains gluten, eggs, milk, and nuts.

Summary

Christmas Braid is a delicious holiday treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. However, it contains allergens such as gluten, eggs, milk, and nuts.

Summary

Christmas Braid is a festive and delicious bread that is perfect for the holiday season. With warm spices, raisins, and almonds, this braided bread is a treat for the whole family to enjoy. Serve it warm with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy holiday experience.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Christmas Braid. The story of how I learned to make this delicious treat goes back many years, to a time when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother.

I remember it like it was yesterday – the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air, the sound of Christmas carols playing in the background, and the warmth of the oven as it baked the perfect braid. It was during the holiday season, a time when my grandmother and I would spend hours in the kitchen together, creating delicious treats to share with our family and friends.

One day, as we were flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down through generations, we stumbled upon a recipe for Christmas Braid. It was a beautiful, braided loaf of bread filled with cinnamon, sugar, and nuts, and topped with a sweet glaze. My grandmother's eyes lit up with excitement as she read through the ingredients and instructions, and I could tell that she was eager to try it out.

We gathered all the necessary ingredients – flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nuts, and eggs – and set to work in the kitchen. My grandmother guided me through each step of the process, teaching me how to knead the dough, mix the filling, and braid the loaf into a beautiful shape. As we worked together, she shared stories of how she had learned to cook from her own mother, and how each recipe held a special place in her heart.

After hours of preparation and anticipation, the Christmas Braid was finally ready to be baked. We carefully placed it in the oven and watched as it rose and turned a golden brown color. The smell that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and we could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

When the braid was finally done, we removed it from the oven and let it cool before slicing into it. The first bite was pure heaven – the bread was soft and fluffy, the filling was sweet and spicy, and the glaze added the perfect touch of sweetness. My grandmother and I both knew that we had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a holiday tradition for years to come.

Since that day, the Christmas Braid has become a staple in our holiday celebrations. Every year, my grandmother and I come together in the kitchen to make this delicious treat, sharing stories and laughter as we work side by side. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and now I am proud to say that I am the one teaching my own grandchildren how to make the Christmas Braid.

I am grateful for the memories that this recipe has brought into my life, and for the bond that it has created between me and my grandmother. Cooking together has always been a special way for us to connect, and I know that the Christmas Braid will continue to be a symbol of love and tradition for many years to come.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future, I am grateful for the simple joy that cooking has brought into my life. The Christmas Braid will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and laughter that I have shared with my grandmother over the years. And as I pass this recipe down to the next generation, I know that it will continue to bring joy and warmth to our family for generations to come.