German Stollen

Photo: flickr user roland

Ingredients

1/2 cup Raisins

1/2 cup Candied red cherries, halved

1/4 cup Currants

1/4 cup Candied citron, diced

1/4 cup Rum

4 1/2 cups all-purpose Flour, all-purpose

2 packages active dry yeast

1 cup Milk

1/4 cup Butter or margarine

1/4 cup Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

2 Eggs

1 tablespoon Orange peel, finely shredded

2 teaspoons Lemon peel, finely shredded

1/2 cup Almonds, blanched and chopped

Confectioners' glaze:

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tbs milk, plus moer as needed

Preparation

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.

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.

To make confectioner's glaze, mix sifted powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk. Add more milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until spreading consistency.