Vörtbröd Malted Christmas Bread

With its warm spices and cozy aroma permeating through the air, Christmas in Sweden is a delightful time full of festive traditions. One such tradition is the baking of Vörtbröd – a delightful malted Christmas bread that is a staple on Swedish holiday tables. This recipe brings together aromatic flavors of malt, raisins, and a hint of orange zest, making it a perfect treat for the holiday season. Let’s create our own batch of Vörtbröd to infuse our homes with the spirit of a Swedish Christmas.

Title: Vörtbröd Malted Christmas Bread

Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup dark beer
– 1/2 cup malt extract
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tablespoon instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon cardamom
– Zest of 1 orange
– 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup raisins

Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the milk, dark beer, malt extract, brown sugar, and butter. Warm the mixture until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.

2. In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

3. Add the salt, ground cloves, ginger, cardamom, and orange zest to the bowl. Slowly incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the dough starts to come together.

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

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins until evenly distributed.

8. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with the kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

9. Bake the Vörtbröd 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 on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy this Vörtbröd Malted Christmas Bread with a spread of butter or your favorite holiday jam, and savor the comforting flavors of the season.

This delightful Swedish Christmas bread is sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking traditions. The combination of malt, raisins, and warm spices makes it a perfect treat to share with loved ones or enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireside. Embrace the festive spirit of Sweden with this Vörtbröd recipe and create lasting memories in your cozy home this holiday season.