Festive Braided Fruit
Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 3/4 cup (200 mL) milk, room temperature
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) grated lemon rind
- 2 1/4 cups (550 mL) Robin Hood® Best For Bread Homestyle White Flour
- 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar
- 3/4 tsp (3 mL) salt
- 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) bread machine yeast
- Fruit Mixture:
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped mixed candied fruit
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) raisins
- extra flour for kneading
- Icing, Sifted (Optional):
- 1 cup (250 mL) icing sugar
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) water
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract
Directions
Step 1:
Dough: Add ingredients for dough to machine according to manufacturer’s directions.
Step 2:
Select dough cycle. Remove dough to lightly floured board; cover with tea towel and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3:
Knead candied fruit and raisins into dough, adding extra flour if dough becomes sticky.
Step 4:
Divide dough into 3 sections. Roll each section into 16" (40 cm) long rope. Braid the 3 ropes together. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Leave straight or shape as desired, i.e.: wreath, candy cane etc. Cover with tea towel. Let rise in warm place (75°- 85°F/24°- 29°C) until doubled (30 to 40 minutes).
Step 5:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 6:
Bake on middle rack 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. Remove from baking sheet immediately; cool on wire rack.
Step 7:
Icing: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. If mixture is too dry, add extra water a few drops at a time. If mixture is too wet, add extra icing sugar until desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled bread.