Christmas Fruit Bread Recipe: A Festive Feast for the Holidays
Guide or Summary：Christmas Fruit BreadIngredientsInstructionsDecorating and ServingWhy This Recipe is Perfect for ChristmasChristmas Fruit BreadEmbark on a……
Guide or Summary：
- Christmas Fruit Bread
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Decorating and Serving
- Why This Recipe is Perfect for Christmas
Christmas Fruit Bread
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of festive cheer with a delectable Christmas fruit bread recipe. This timeless recipe not only brings a delightful aroma to your kitchen but also promises to be the star of your holiday table. Infused with the flavors of seasonal fruits and the warmth of festive spices, this bread is a must-have for your Christmas spread.
Ingredients
To craft this enchanting Christmas fruit bread, you'll need a carefully selected mix of ingredients that blend tradition with modern flair. Here's what you'll need:
- 500g of strong bread flour
- 10g of dried yeast
- 10g of sugar
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of mixed spice
- 100ml of warm milk
- 2 tbsp of honey
- 1 egg
- 50g of unsalted butter, melted
- 150g of mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and candied orange peel)
- 50g of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. **Preparation**: Begin by preparing your baking pan. Grease a 2-pound loaf pan (23cm x 13cm) and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to remove once it's baked.
2. **Mixing the Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and mixed spice. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, honey, egg, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. **Fruit and Nuts**: Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts into the dough. The addition of these festive ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to the bread.
4. **First Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. **Shaping the Bread**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into the prepared baking pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
6. **Baking**: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, place the baking pan in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cooling**: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating and Serving
Once your Christmas fruit bread has cooled, it's time to decorate it to perfection. You can dust it with a light layer of icing sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, water, and a splash of rum or brandy for extra flavor. This not only adds an extra touch of festive elegance but also enhances the sweetness of the bread.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Christmas
This Christmas fruit bread recipe is not just a recipe; it's a tradition. It's a bread that's perfect for sharing with family and friends, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Whether it's enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or a festive dessert, this bread is sure to become a beloved part of your Christmas celebrations.
In conclusion, this Christmas fruit bread recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. With its rich flavors, festive decorations, and heartwarming aroma, it's the perfect addition to any holiday table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let's bake some delicious memories this Christmas. Merry baking!