Stollen - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pkg. dry yeast
2/3 c. milk
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 1/4 to 3 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 c. golden raisins
confectioners sugar icing
1/4 c. lukewarm water
1/2 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. blanched, slivered almonds
1/2 c. halved candied cherries

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in water; scald milk; add butter and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Cool to lukewarm.
Beat egg and add to milk mixture with yeast, almond extract and salt.
Stir in 2 cups flour and beat until smooth.
Stir in almonds, raisins and cherries.
Add remaining flour and mix until smooth.
Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled in size.
Punch down; knead lightly and pat to 12-inch circle.
Fold in half; press edges together firmly.
Place on greased sheet (baking).
Brush top with melted butter.
Let rise 1/2 hour in warm place.
Bake in 350\u00b0 oven for about 30 minutes.
Spread top with icing while warm. Makes one large loaf.