Gift Christmas Kuchen

* Exported from MasterCook *

GIFT CHRISTMAS KUCHEN

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 2 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pk Active dry yeast
1/4 c Sugar
1/4 c Warm water (105F-to-115F)
3/4 c Butter -- at room temperature
1 Lemon -- Grated peel only
-(no white attached)
1 Orange -- Grated peel only
- (no white attached)
1/2 ts Dried mace
1 1/2 tb Ground coriander
-or anise seed
1 t Salt
2 Eggs -- at room temperature
2 1/2 c Bread flour (or more)
3/4 c Warm milk (105F-to-115F)

If you want to give a friend a special holiday gift,
put a bright ribbon around this bread. When tightly
wrapped, it freezes well for 1 to 2 months.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F. Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon
sugar in warm water. Beat 1/2 cup butter in food
processor until light. Gradually add remainder of
sugar as you beat butter. Add lemon and orange peels,
mace, coriander and salt. Add yeast mixture. Add eggs,
1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and
then milk. Add enough flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to
make soft dough. Knead dough until elastic and smooth.
Place dough in oiled plastic bag or oiled bowl and
turn to coat. Seal or cover with plastic wrap and let
rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.
Turn out dough on floured surface, punch down and cut
into 2 pieces. Shape each into rectangular loaf and
place on greased baking sheet. Melt remaining 1/4 cup
butter and use to lightly brush tops of loaves.

TO PRESENT AS A GIFT: Make paper ribbon strips the
width of your gift ribbons and tie the bread loosely
with the paper strips; secure with paper clips,
leaving enough room for the breads to rise. The paper
will leave marks for the position of the gift ribbons.
Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let rise in a
warm place until doubled, 30-to-40 minutes. Bake
loaves about 30-to-45 minutes. Remove and place on a
rack to cool. Remove the paper strips. Replace strips
with bright ribbons. Makes 2 Loaves



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