Christmas Fruit Bread Recipes

CHRISTMAS BRAID

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour and yeast. In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, butter and salt to 120°-130°; add to flour mixture. Add egg. Beat on low speed with electric mixture for 30 seconds; increase speed to medium and continue beating for 3 minutes. Stir in raisins, candied fruit, nuts an enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. Divide dough in thirds, then divide each into thirds again. Roll each piece into a 15-in. rope. Place 3 ropes 1 in. apart on greased baking sheet. Begin braiding loosely in the middle and work toward the ends. Pinch ends together and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. Combine egg yolk and water; brush over braids. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until browned. Cool on wire racks.

CHRISTMAS BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the evaporated milk, sugar, shortening, salt, eggs and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Stir in mixed candied fruit and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (do not knead). , Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours. , Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 3-4 minutes. Pat evenly into a greased 10-in. tube pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack. , Combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Garnish with additional candied fruit if desired.

CANDIED FRUIT BREAD

Steps:

• Grease an 8x5-inch loaf tin thoroughly. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk and melted butter; mix well.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, prepared fruits and nuts, and mix well. Add egg mixture to fruit and nut mixture, stirring just enough to blend. Pour batter into the greased loaf tin. Let stand for 20 minutes.
• Place pan in center of oven on middle rack. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Turn out on wire rack, and allow to cool for several hours before slicing.

CHRISTMAS FRUIT BREAD

Steps:

• cream butter and brown sugar together.beat in eggs, stir in mashed bananas, apples and orange zest --
• in separate bowl, combine dry ingredients and add to banana mixture.add cranberries.stir just till blended.
• bake in a greased 9x5" loaf pan.at 350* for 40 minutes or tests done when a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• turn the pan on its side and cool 10 minutes.
• remove from the pan and continue cooling on rack.
• wrap in plastic wrap and serve the next day.