Christmas Stollen - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 pkg. dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1/2 c. butter
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped almonds
1/4 c. citron
1/4 c. candied cherries
1/4 c. raisins

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in warm water; add sugar, salt, eggs, butter and half of the flour.
Beat 10 minutes at medium speed on mixer or by hand.
Blend in rest of flour, almonds and fruits.
Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Stir down batter by beating 25 strokes.
Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
On well floured board, divide dough in half, press each half into a 10 x 7-inch oval sheet.
Spread with 2 tablespoons soft butter or margarine.
Fold each in two length-ways, firmly pressing edges in place on greased baking sheet.
Brush top with slightly beaten egg whites mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
Let rise in warm place until light.
Bake at 375\u00b0 for 20 minutes or until done.
When cool, frost and decorate with almonds and cherries.
Makes 2.