Sweet Bread (Christmas Cake)(Virgin Islands Native Recipe) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 yeast cake
1 c. warm water
3 lb. flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 lb. shortening
1 1/2 lb. sugar
6 eggs
2 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. currants
1/2 lb. raisins
1/2 lb. prunes
1/4 lb. citron
1 tsp. mace
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
4 tsp. orange peel
1 qt. milk (hot)
2 oz. bitter almonds
1/4 lb. sweet almonds

Preparation

Dissolve yeast cake into 1 cup of warm water.
Add flour enough to make stiff batter.
Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; beat until smooth.
Cover and set to rise.
Cream shortening and sugar.
Add eggs, one at a time.
Add prepared yeast mixture and salt.
Add fruits and beat well.
Sift flour with spices, add alternately with hot milk.
Beat until light.
Add nuts.
Pour into greased tins; allow to rise double in size.
Brush with syrup before and after baking.
(Syrup is made of brown sugar and water.)
Bake at 375\u00b0.
The addition of 1/4 cup of cherry cordial or guavaberry liquor gives it the Christmas touch!