Moravian Christmas Loaf Recipes

MORAVIAN CHRISTMAS LOAF

Steps:

• Add softened yeast to milk.
• Add 3 cups flour, and salt; mix well.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place overnight.
• In the morning, heat the milk; add butter and stir until melted.
• Combine with yeast mixture and add sugar, fruit and remaining flour; knead well until dough is no longer sticky (use more flour, if necessary).
• Cover and let rise until double.
• Shape into loaves, place in greased loaf pans and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
• Let rise until doubled.
• Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.

MORAVIAN SUGAR CAKE (AUTHENTIC)

Steps:

• To proof yeast, add a pinch of sugar to the yeast in lukewarm water (hot water will kill the yeast action). If it foams, it is good.
• In large mixing bowl, cream eggs, salt, sugar & shortening till smooth.
• Gradually add warm milk & mashed potatoes, stirring a bit. Then add yeast, mixing well. Add flour, a cup at a time, until dough is stiff enough to turn out on a floured board.
• Knead dough until soft & spongy (about 10-15 minutes by hand, or if done in a food processor, mix until it forms a ball). Place in large greased bowl in a draft free, warm place & cover with a damp towel. Let dough double in size (approx. 2-3 hours).
• Punch down and divide dough.
• Place in greased pie pans or large cookie sheets, cover & let double in size again (approx. 1 ½ hrs.).
• Spread melted butter on top of cakes, punching holes in dough about 1 inch apart with fingers. Be careful not to punch down to bottom of pan but only half way down. Mix the topping thoroughly & pour into holes in the dough.
• Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top & sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden & fully baked on the bottom. Serve warm.

BREAD MACHINE MORAVIAN LOVEFEAST BREAD

Steps:

• All ingredients must be at room temperature.
• Add ingredients in the order specified in your bread machine owner's manual.
• Set bread machine on standard bread making setting.
• Select crust light.

MORAVIAN LOVE FEAST BUNS

Steps:

• Place cubed potato and enough water to cover in small saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook potatountil fork-tender. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the potato water. Mash potato to measure 1/2 cup; set aside.
• In the same saucepan combine potato water, 1/4 cup of water and1/2 cup butter. Heat until very warm (120 to 130 degrees F).
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, the sugar,salt, and yeast; mix well. Add warm potato water mixture; beat until well blended. Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beatinguntil smooth. Cover and refrigerate 8 to 24 hours.
• Grease cookie sheets. Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Knead dough 6 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Dividedough into 16 pieces. Shape each into smooth, round bun; place on greased cookie sheets. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80 to 85 degrees F) until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Uncover dough. Cut 1/4 cup cold butter into 16 equal pieces. Press one piece into the center of each bun. Sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.