Christmas Bread

Authentic Christmas Bread Recipe with Raisins, Almonds and Candied Fruits

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 5-6 loaves

Introduction

Christmas Bread is a traditional holiday treat that is enjoyed by many around the world during the festive season. This sweet and fluffy bread is perfect for serving at Christmas breakfast or as a dessert after a holiday meal.

History

The origins of Christmas Bread can be traced back to ancient times when bread was considered a sacred food. It was often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations, including Christmas. Over the years, different cultures have developed their own versions of Christmas Bread, each with its own unique ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

5 lb (2.27 kg) of flour
0.25 lb (113 g) of butter
1 qt (946 ml) of milk
1 to 1.5 cups of sugar
1 tbsp of salt
2 yeast cakes or 0.25 lb (113 g) of yeast
0.5 cup of water or milk
2 tsp of vanilla extract
5 large eggs

How to prepare

Mix yeast, water, and 1 tbsp of sugar.
Allow the mixture to rise.
Place 1 qt (946 ml) of milk in a pot.
Add 0.5 cup of sugar and 0.5 lb (227 g) of butter. Scald the mixture; do not boil.
Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool to lukewarm.
Beat the eggs and add the remaining butter and sugar. Mix well.
Put the flour in a pan and mix well.
Add vanilla extract, the egg mixture, milk mixture, yeast, and salt.
Knead the mixture until it falls off your hands.
The better the mixture is mixed, the better the bread will be.
Let the mixture stand until it doubles in size.
Punch down the mixture and let it rise again.
Divide the mixture into five or six pans and let it rise again.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for half an hour.
Reduce the heat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about half an hour longer.

Variations

Add dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries to the dough for a festive touch.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the bread before baking for extra flavor.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the milk mixture to the right temperature to activate the yeast properly.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic for the best texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.

- Keep an eye on the bread while baking to prevent it from overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Bread warm with a dollop of butter or jam for a delicious breakfast or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Scalding the milk mixture

- Kneading the dough

- Allowing the dough to rise multiple times

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version.

- Replace butter with margarine for a vegan option.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Bread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Bread on a festive platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christmas Bread with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Bread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Bread contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Bread contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Bread is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Christmas Bread contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Bread is a delicious holiday treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.

Summary

Christmas Bread is a delicious and festive holiday treat that is perfect for serving at Christmas breakfast or as a dessert. With its sweet and fluffy texture, this bread is sure to be a hit with your family and friends during the holiday season.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, spending the holidays with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. She was always busy cooking up delicious meals and treats, and I loved to watch her work her magic.

One day, as Christmas approached, I noticed my grandmother pulling out an old, worn recipe book from the back of her cupboard. It was filled with all sorts of wonderful recipes, but one in particular caught my eye - Christmas Bread. I had never heard of it before, but the name alone sounded enticing.

Curious, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled and told me that it was a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. She explained that Christmas Bread was a special treat that her own mother used to make every year during the holiday season.

Eager to learn more, I begged my grandmother to show me how to make it. She happily agreed, and we spent the afternoon gathering the ingredients and preparing the dough. I watched in awe as she kneaded the dough with skill and precision, her hands moving with a grace that only comes from years of practice.

As the bread baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with a warm, comforting aroma that made my mouth water. Finally, the moment of truth arrived. My grandmother pulled the loaf out of the oven and sliced off a piece for each of us to try.

The first bite was pure heaven. The bread was rich and tender, with a hint of sweetness from the dried fruits and a subtle warmth from the spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I had discovered something truly special.

From that day on, Christmas Bread became a staple in our holiday celebrations. My grandmother would make several loaves to give to friends and family, and I would always help her with the baking. It became a tradition that I looked forward to every year, a way to connect with my family's past and create new memories for the future.

Over the years, I have continued to make Christmas Bread for my own family, passing down the recipe just as my grandmother did for me. Each time I bake a loaf, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and tradition that go into every bite.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells and sounds of the holiday season, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that my grandmother gave me all those years ago. Christmas Bread will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and legacy that has been passed down through the generations.

So as I knead the dough and let it rise, I smile to myself, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that will hopefully continue for many years to come. And as I take that first bite of warm, fragrant bread, I am filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much happiness to my family.