Christmas Bread

By jeenikeen

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

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 45mins
Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 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).

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.

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.

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

Combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Garnish with additional candied fruit if desired.
Yield: 1 loaf.