Norwegian Christmas Bread

SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Petersen

"When my husband became a minister for a church in an area populated with Norwegians, my father-in-law was delighted because I had easy access to recipes he enjoyed as a child. This is a traditional Christmas bread, but I make it for any holiday we get together. --Deborah Petersen, Princeton, New Jersey"

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PREP TIME	25 Min
COOK TIME	30 Min
READY IN	55 Min

SERVINGS

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Servings
USMETRIC

INGREDIENTS

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110 degrees to 115 degrees)
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup diced citron or mixed candied fruit

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar, egg, butter, salt, cardamom and 2 cups flour; mix well. Stir in raisins, citron and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to greased top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; divide in half. Shape each portion into a flattened ball. Place in two greased 9-in. round baking pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.