Czech Christmas Houska

Houska is a spiced holiday yeast bread laden with candied fruit peel, almonds, and raisins that's decorated with more nuts and fruits for a festive touch.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 177 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 1 (0.6 ounce) cake compressed fresh yeast
• 1 pinch ground ginger
• 1 pinch ground mace
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup butter, softened
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.25 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup golden raisins
• 2 cups scalded milk, cooled
• 0.25 teaspoon orange zest
• 0.5 cup candied mixed fruit peel
• 0.5 cup blanched slivered almonds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Make the sponge: Dissolve yeast in warm water.

Step 2

Cream sugar and butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl. Add beaten egg and salt. Stir in cooled milk, then yeast mixture. Sift in flour and beat until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Make the dough: Stir orange zest, ginger, and mace into sponge. Add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Transfer dough to a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Knead in raisins and candied peel. Place dough into a well-oiled bowl and turn once to coat the surface. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 4

Divide dough into 10 parts. Roll dough into ropes of desired length (make sure they are equal); let rise for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Generously grease a baking sheet.

Step 6

Place 3 ropes dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Starting at the center and working toward each end, loosely braid ropes; pinch ends together to seal. Twist 2 more ropes together and place on the base of the braid. Repeat this process to form a second loaf with remaining dough.

Step 7

Whisk egg yolk and milk together in a small bowl. Brush egg wash over each loaf and sprinkle with almonds. Let rise for about 45 minutes.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer loaves to a wire rack. Cover with a tea towel to make a soft crust; let cool completely.

Step 9

Sprinkle cooled loaves with confectioners' sugar.