Gløggbrød Mulled Wine Bread

Imagine the delightful scents of warm spices and freshly baked bread filling your cozy kitchen, evoking the spirit of the holiday season. Today, we bring you a unique and scrumptious treat straight from the heart of Norwegian Christmas traditions – Gløggbrød Mulled Wine Bread. This aromatic bread is infused with the rich flavors of mulled wine, making it a perfect indulgence for festive gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup mulled wine
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds

**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, salt, and all the spices – cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and black pepper.

3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, mulled wine, and melted butter. Stir until a smooth dough forms.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.

7. Punch down the risen dough and knead in the dried cranberries and chopped almonds until evenly distributed.

8. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

9. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

10. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Slice the Gløggbrød Mulled Wine Bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the festive flavors and cozy warmth with a cup of hot mulled wine or your favorite holiday beverage.

Gløggbrød Mulled Wine Bread captures the essence of Christmas with its aromatic spices, fruity sweetness from cranberries, and nutty crunch from almonds. Whether you share it with loved ones during a festive gathering or savor it as a special treat on a chilly winter day, this Norwegian-inspired bread is sure to bring comfort and joy to your holiday season. Give this recipe a try and elevate your Christmas baking with a taste of Scandinavian tradition!