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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 16 |
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Traditionally served in Sweden on December 13 to commemorate St. Lucia, Swedish saffron bread is great anytime and makes a fitting accompaniment for breakfast or brunch. Ingredients:
1 cup hot water |
1/2 cup golden raisins |
1/4 cup dried currants |
1/4 cup sugar, divided |
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed |
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) |
1 cup warm 2% reduced-fat milk (100° to 110°) |
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided (about 15 ounces) |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
3 tablespoons butter, melted |
2 large eggs, divided |
cooking spray |
Directions:
1. Combine 1 cup hot water, raisins, and currants in a bowl. Cover and let stand 10 minutes or until raisins and currants plump. Drain and set aside.
2. Dissolve 1 tablespoon sugar, saffron, and yeast in warm milk in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine 3 cups flour, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add raisins, currants, yeast mixture, butter, and 1 egg to flour mixture; stir until dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.
4. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead 3 times.
5. Divide dough into 3 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 16-inch rope. Place ropes lengthwise on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray (do not stretch); pinch ends together at one end to seal. Braid ropes; pinch loose ends to seal. Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°.
7. Lightly beat remaining egg in a small bowl. Gently brush dough with egg. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.
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