Classic Yule Loaf Recipe: A Festive Holiday Bread

INGREDIENTS

2‑3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided 1/3 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1 cup milk 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 1 egg 1/2 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup chopped candied red and green cherries 1/2 cup chopped pecans Vanilla Glaze (recipe follows, optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Heat milk and butter over medium heat until very warm (120° to 130°F). Gradually stir into flour mixture. Add egg. Mix with electric mixer at low speed 1 minute. Beat at high speed 3 minutes, scraping side of bowl frequently. Toss raisins, cherries and pecans with 1/4 cup flour in small bowl; stir into yeast mixture. Stir in enough of remaining 1 cup flour to make a soft dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl; turn to grease top of dough. Cover with towel. Let rise in warm, draft-free place about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Punch down dough. Divide in half. Roll out each half on lightly floured surface to form 8-inch circle. Fold in half; press only folded edge firmly. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Cover with towel. Let rise in warm, draft-free place about 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake loaves 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool completely on wire rack. Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze, if desired. Store in airtight container.

Vanilla Glaze Combine 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 4 to 5 teaspoons light cream or half-and-half and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in small bowl; stir until smooth. This recipe appears in: Christmas