Houska - Bohemian Christmas Bread
Prep Time: 5 Hr
Cook Time: 45 Min
Yield: 2 loaves
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole milk, scalded
1 tablespoon yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, beaten
5 1/2 - 6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
1/4 cup dark raisins
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Directions:
Scald milk and set aside to cool. It needs to be no warmer than 115 degrees.
Dissolve yeast in warm water (temperature between 105-115 degrees).
In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, blend the room temperature butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy
Add cooled, scalded milk, mixing as you go. Then add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg.
Add 2 cups of flour and salt. Beat until smooth
Cover and let rise for about 1/2 hour.
Fold in the chopped almonds and raisins.
Add a dough hook to your mixer, or this can be done by hand. Add the rest of the flour a little at a time to make a soft dough.
At this point, you can turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, or use your dough hook and knead with that.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 45 minutes.
Punch down in the bowl and let rise again for 45 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into two equal pieces.
Place the dough into two greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise again for another 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
After 45 minutes, beat an egg and 1 Tbsp of water for an egg wash.
Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash.
Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
Allow the loaves to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove from the pans to cool completely.
Recipe courtesy of Just a Pinch.com
