Norwegian Christmas Bread (Julekake)

Ingredients:

2 pkgs dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup milk, scalded

1/2 cup butter

1 egg beaten

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. cardamom

Approx. 5 cups flour

1/2 cup citron

1/2 cup candied cherries

1/2 cup white raisins

Cooking Instructions:

Dissolve yeast and a little sugar in warm water. Scald milk then add butter. Cool to lukewarm. Add egg and yeast to the milk, butter mixture. Add sugar, salt, and cardamom. Beat in 2 cups flour and mix well. Mix fruit with a little of the remaining flour so it doesn't stick together and add. Stir in rest of flour. Knead on floured cloth until smooth. Place in greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Divide into two parts and form round loaves. Put on greased cookie sheets. Let rise until nearly double. Bake at 350° F for 30 to 40 minutes. While still warm, brush with soft butter or decorate with powdered sugar icing mixed with almond flavoring. Decorate with candied cherries and almonds,if desired.

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