Christmas Bread

Good Morning Lovelies

Back to earth with a little bump after my lovely anniversary spent with MrD. 

I really do love our time together...

A little festive music helps throughout the day..

Like the wonderful Nat King Cole 

The Christmas Song 1946

Photo: London 1940

As I washed the dishes this morning.. I watched our neighbours trying to get a huge Christmas tree though their front door. They did it... eventually.. minus quite a few pine needles.. and I wondered...

Does anyone else still have a real tree every year?

So then it was back to Christmas baking with this lovely braided yeast loaf thats packed with dried fruit and a festive cinnamon flavour.

Original Magazine Clipping

Featured on the December 1940 edition of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine.. this recipe makes two good size loaves.. so I half it which is enough for me and MrD. Its a bit dense...but that could be my kneading technique but its lovely with a spread of butter and a cup of tea. Plus when it gets a bit stale its wonderful toasted

2 cups milk, scalded

1/2 cup shortening

2/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed cardamon seed

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cakes compressed yeast

1/4 cup lukewarm water

2 beaten eggs

4 cups flour

1 cup white raisins

1 cup shredded citron

1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

4 cups flour

• Combine milk, shortening, sugar, salt, and spices; 
• Cool to lukewarm. 
• Add yeast softened in lukewarm water. 
• Add eggs; mix well. 
• Add 4 cups flour; beat well. 
• Add fruits and remaining 4 cups flour. 
• Let rise until double in bulk. 
• Punch down and knead lightly. 

• Form in two round loaves or braids
• Let rise until double in bulk.
• Bake in a moderate oven (350°) 45 minutes. 
• While warm, brush with butter.

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
December 1940