Vaisiu Pyragas -- Fruit Bread (Lithuania) |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 60 Minutes |
Ready In: 90 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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This recipe was found on the internet . Preparation time does not include the times needed for the dough to rise several times. Ingredients:
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast |
1 cup granulated sugar, divided |
1 1/2 cups milk, warm |
8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided |
1 1/2 teaspoons salt |
4 ounces unsalted butter, melted |
3 large eggs, beaten |
3/4 lb dried fruit, chopped fine |
1 1/2 cups light raisins |
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped |
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted (again) |
1/2 cup granulated sugar (again) |
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon |
Directions:
1. In a large bowl whisk together yeast, JUST 1/2 cup of the sugar, milk, JUST 3 cups of the flour & salt, combining until smooth, then cover & let stand for 1 hour. 2. After the 1 hour, add the 4 ounces of melted butter, eggs, another 1/2 cup of sugar & the remaining flour, & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes. 3. Add chopped fruits, raisins & nuts & knead until well incorporated, then cover & let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. 4. In a small container, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon & set aside, then grease two large loaf pans. 5. Divide dough in half &, on a lightly floured surface, roll each half, one at a time, into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches. 6. Spread each half with melted butter & the sugar/cinnamon mixture, then roll the dough up lengthwise & tuck in the ends before placing them in the prepared loaf pans. 7. Cover pans with greased plastic wrap & let rise until doubled. 8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F & bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F & bake 50 minutes longer. 9. Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely. 10. If desired, the loaves can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a vanilla icing. |
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