Makes 3 loaves.

Ingredients

3 cups milk, scalded
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 pkg yeast
2 1/2 cups plus 1 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup candied cherries, diced
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 tsp cardamom
1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1) Scald 3 cups milk. Add 1/2 cup butter and melt. Remove from heat and add 2 tsp salt, 3/4 cup sugar, and 2 pkg yeast.
2) Transfer yeast/milk mixture to large bowl and add 2 1/2 cups flour and mix well.
3) Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup candied cherries, 3/4 cup raisins, 1/2 tsp cardamom, and 1 tsp lemon juice.
4) Transfer shaggy dough to floured surface and knead, adding another 1/2-1 cup flour until dough comes together. Form dough into a ball and transfer to greased bowl. Let rise until doubled in size (1-2 hours).
5) Punch dough down, transfer to 3 greased bread pans, and let rise again for another hour.
6) Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. Butter top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Deb’s Christmas Bread