easter or christmas braid

Recipe by
ALEKSANDRA B.
Chicago, IL

I make this braid for Christmas, Easter, and sometimes just for Sunday.It is really good.

yield 12 -14
prep time 2 Hr
cook time 55 Min
method Convection Oven

Ingredients For easter or christmas braid

  • 1 (7g0 pkg
    active dry yeast
  • 1/2 c
    warm milk
  • 1/4 c
    water, warm
  • 1/3 c
    sugar
  • 2 lg
    eggs,beaten
  • 1/3 c
    butter,soften
  • 1 tsp
    grated orange peel
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 31/2 c
    all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp
    ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp
    cinnamon and mace
  • FILLING;
  • 2 tsp
    flour
  • 2 tsp
    sugar
  • 1/4 c
    butter,softened
  • 1/2 c
    chopped nuts
  • 1/2 tsp
    grated orange peel
  • 1/2 tsp
    orange or almond extract
  • 1/2 c
    dry fruits like apricots or cranberries

How To Make easter or christmas braid

  • 1
    Mix the yeast with warm water and let it stand for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, orange peel, spices and 2 1/2 cups flour.
  • 2
    Mix with hook mixer attachment for about 5 minutes, slowly adding the rest of all flour.
  • 3
    Cover with a towel and let rise for about 90 minutes or until double in sides.
  • 4
    Meanwhile, mix the ingredients for the filling such as the butter, orange peel, sugar, and orange extract. Set aside. Mix nuts and dry fruits with flour.
  • 5
    Punch the dough down.Turn onto lightly floured surface and roll into a 9 by 30 inch rectangle. Sprinkle with fruits and nuts and filling mixture.
  • 6
    Place in a greased bundtcake pan or baking sheet.Let it stand for an hour to double in size.
  • 7
    Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven to 335 F, or until golden brown.
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