Serves: 3
Total Calories: 1,391

* See note below.
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons rum or orange juice
1 package yeast active dry
3/4 cup water warm (105° to 115°)
3 3/4 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (2-ounce) packages almonds blanched, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
1/2 cup candied fruit cut-up
1 tablespoon orange rind shredded
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
sugar (optional)
powdered sugar (optional)

* A seasonal treat that's a little more moist and cake-like than the traditional. Soak raisins in rum for 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.

In a large mixer bowl, place 2 cups of the flour, 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 3 eggs, egg yolk, salt and yeast mixture. Beat at medium speed for 10 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in remaining 1 3/4 cups flour, almonds, raisins with rum, candied fruit and orange rind until well blended. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Stir down dough. On a well-floured surface, knead 15 times. Cover with a bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Divide dough into three equal portions. Roll each into a 9 x 6-inch oval. Spread with melted butter. Fold lengthwise in half and firmly press the folded edge. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled, 45 to 60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat egg white with 1 tablespoon water. Gently brush over top of each loaf. If desired, sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 15 minutes. Cover lightly with foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Note: To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and thaw before dusting with optional powdered sugar.

Overwrap with plastic wrap and tie with ribbon, then slip into a gift bag with a tag indicating, "Fresh from the oven of ".

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 3
Total Calories: 1,391
Calories from Fat: 561

More Recipes from the More Gifts From Your Kitchen Cookbook:
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Carrot-Pineapple Bread
Holiday Fruit Stollen
Lemon Tea Loaves
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