Christmas Bread

Name: Christmas Bread
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 3/4 cup evaporated milk; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup shortening; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided; 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 to 2 tablespoons milk; Additional candied fruit, optional

13 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Additional candied fruit, optional

Directions

1

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).
2

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.
3

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.
4

Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack.
5

Combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Garnish with additional candied fruit if desired.