Czech Christmas Hoska
Serves: 3
Terence Turner
1 January 1970
Based on User reviews:
50
Spice
54
Sweetness
41
Sourness
41
mins
Prep time (avg)
4.8
Difficulty
Ingredients:
1 cup
White Sugar1 cup
Butter1 tsp
Salt1 tbsp
Milk6 cups
All-Purpose Flour1 pinch
Ground Ginger1 pinch
Mace (ground)1 tsp
Orange Zest1 cup
Golden Raisins1
Egg Yolk2 tbsps
Sugar (confectioners')Directions:
1
Dissolve yeast in warm water
2
In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter
3
Add beaten egg and salt
4
Stir in cooled milk and then the yeast
5
Add 1 1/2 cups sifted flour; beat into a smooth batter
6
Cover and let rise until light, about one hour
7
Stir spices and dried orange zest into the sponge
8
Add 4 1/2 cups of flour to make a soft dough
9
Place on a lightly floured board, and knead until smooth and elastic
10
Knead in raisins and candied peel
11
Put in a well oiled bowl, and turn once to coat the surface of the dough
12
Cover
13
Set aside to rise until double in bulk, about 2 hours
14
Divide dough into ten parts, roll into desired lengths, and let rise about 15 minutes
15
On a heavily greased baking sheet, make a braid of three parts, beginning in the center and working braid loosely toward each end
16
Pinch ends together
17
Twist the remaining two pieces together, and place on the base of the braid
18
In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and milk; brush the loaf with this mixture
19
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the loaf
20
Repeat process for second loaf
21
Let rise about 45 minutes
22
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes
23
Transfer bread to a wire rack, and cool completely
24
Cover while cooling with a tea towel to make a soft crust
25
Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar