Christmas Bread I

Christmas Bread I Recipe: Delicious Bread Dough with Candied Fruits, Walnuts, and Mincemeat

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Christmas Bread I is a festive and delicious bread that is perfect for the holiday season. This sweet bread is filled with candied fruits, nuts, and mincemeat, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. Topped with a sweet glaze, this bread is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

History

Christmas Bread has been a traditional holiday treat for centuries, with variations of the recipe being passed down through generations. This particular recipe combines classic ingredients like candied fruits and nuts with a modern twist of using frozen bread dough for convenience.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) frozen bread dough
0.5 cup mixed candied fruits
0.5 cup walnut halves
0.25 cup mincemeat
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tsp milk
0.13 tsp cardamom

How to prepare

Thaw the frozen bread dough according to the package directions.
On a lightly floured board, pull the dough out until it is 12 inches long.
Knead the fruit, mincemeat, and nuts into the dough.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 3 ropes, each 12 inches long.
Press the 3 ropes together on one end and braid them on a greased cookie sheet.
Let the dough rise in a warm place (90°F) until it doubles in bulk, which should take about 1.5 hours.
Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 25 – 30 minutes.
Allow the bread to cool.
Combine the sugar, milk, and cardamom, then spread this glaze over the bread.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
Substitute dried fruits for the candied fruits for a different taste.
Use a different type of nut, such as pecans or almonds, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Thaw the frozen bread dough in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

- Be sure to knead the fruit, mincemeat, and nuts into the dough evenly for a well-distributed flavor.

- Allow the bread to rise in a warm place to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into ropes for braiding.

- Let the bread cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Bread I warm with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Braiding the dough gives Christmas Bread I a beautiful and festive appearance.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find mincemeat, you can substitute with additional candied fruits.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Bread I with a glass of mulled wine for a perfect holiday pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Bread I in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Bread I contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Bread I contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Bread I contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Bread I is a good source of vitamin C from the candied fruits and nuts.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and wheat.

Summary

Christmas Bread I is a moderately high-calorie treat that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins and vitamin C.

Summary

Christmas Bread I is a delicious and festive holiday treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a rich and flavorful combination of candied fruits, nuts, and mincemeat, this bread is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, and the recipes were written in elegant cursive handwriting. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Christmas Bread caught my eye.

I had never heard of Christmas Bread before, but the ingredients and instructions sounded intriguing. The bread was filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It seemed like the perfect treat to bake for the holidays.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and I gathered the ingredients from my pantry. I mixed the flour, yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a bowl, and kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic. Then, I added the dried fruits and nuts, and sprinkled in the spices.

As the bread baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen. I couldn't wait to taste it. When the bread was done, I pulled it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. I sliced a piece and took a bite.

The bread was warm and fragrant, with a hint of sweetness from the fruits and nuts. It was the perfect combination of flavors for the holiday season. I knew then that this recipe would become a tradition in my own family.

Over the years, I have made Christmas Bread for my loved ones every holiday season. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, and it has become a staple at our Christmas gatherings. Each time I bake the bread, I am reminded of that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook.

As I knead the dough and sprinkle in the spices, I feel connected to my past and to the generations of women who have passed down their recipes to me. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that have been handed down through the years, and for the joy that baking brings to my life.

The tradition of making Christmas Bread has become a way for me to honor my grandmother and all of the women who came before her. As I bake the bread each year, I feel their presence in my kitchen, guiding me and sharing in the joy of the holiday season.

I am grateful for the recipe that I discovered in that old cookbook, and for the memories that it has brought to my family. I know that as long as I continue to bake Christmas Bread, I will keep alive the traditions of the past and create new memories for the future.