Yield: 2 servings
Measure | Ingredient |
---|---|
2½ cup | All-purpose flour |
2 packs | Active dry yeast |
¾ teaspoon | Ground cardamom |
1¼ cup | Milk |
½ cup | Sugar |
½ cup | Butter |
1 teaspoon | Salt |
1 \N | Egg |
1 cup | Candied fruits; optional |
1 cup | Light raisins |
2½ cup | All-purpose flour |
In a large mixer bowl combine 2½ cups all-purpose flour, yeast, and cardamom. In a saucepan heat milk, sugar, butter, and salt just till warm (115F) and the butter is almost melted; stir constantly. Add heated milk mixture to flour mixture; add 1 egg. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for ½ minute. Beat 3 minutes at high speed, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Stir in 1 chopped mixed candied fruits and peels (optional), raisins, and as much of the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour as you can mix in with a spoon. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining all-purpose flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover, let rise in a warm place till double (about 1 ½ hours). Punch dough down; divide dough in half. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Shape into 2 round loaves; place on greased baking sheets. Flatten each slightly to a 6-inch diameter. Cover; let rise till nearly double (45 to 60 minutes). Stir together 1 slightly beaten egg yolk and 2 tablespoons water, brush over loaves.
Bake in a 350F oven for 35 minutes or till done.
Cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 round loaves.