The Christmas Bread

 This is a simplified version of a recipe for a coffee cake that can thence be converted to the Christmas bread. The original recipe (possible from Southern Living) was a bit complicated, with the "instead" and "addition of" stuff. The original also called for "shortening" but, for heavenssake use butter because we know what's in butter, don't we? 

Norwegian Christmas Bread


1 1/2 c milk, scalded 
1 1/4 t salt 

1 c sugar

1 package of yeast

6 c sifted flour (will probably need more)

1/4 t allspice

1/4 t mace

1 t crushed cardamom

 3/4 c butter,melted

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 c of seedless raisins

3/4 c diced citron

To the hot milk add salt and 2 T of the sugar.   

When lukewarm, add the yeast, 3 c of the flour, and the spices.  Mix well and set covered in a warm place to rise to double its bulk.   

Add remaining sugar, the shortening, eggs, raisins and citron.  Add the flour, mixing to a soft but somehow not sticky dough.  Knead and place covered in a greased bowl to rise to double its bulk.  Shape into loaves and place in greased pans.  Again let rise to double its bulk. 

Bake at 350 degrees about 50 minutes.  Makes two loaves.