There’s a delightful aroma that fills the air during the festive season in Russia, and at the heart of it is the traditional Kulich Style Fruit Bread. This beloved Christmas recipe combines the richness of bread with the sweetness of dried fruit and the warmth of spices, creating a treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. Let’s dive into the magical world of Russian holiday baking and create our own batch of Kulich Style Fruit Bread.
**Kulich Style Fruit Bread**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a tall round cake pan.
5. Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruit, chopped almonds, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
6. Shape the dough into a tall cylinder and place it into the prepared cake pan. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
8. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cool, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for a festive finish.
Kulich Style Fruit Bread is a labor of love, each step filled with warmth and anticipation for the joy it will bring when shared with friends and family. The combination of soft bread, sweet fruits, and fragrant spices creates a flavor profile that’s truly irresistible. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or presented as a gift during the holiday season, this Russian Christmas bread is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Embrace the spirit of the season and bake up a batch of Kulich Style Fruit Bread to create lasting memories with those you hold dear.
