Yulekake Norwegian Christmas Bread

This recipe has been in my husband's norweigan side of the family for generations. it was passed on from his great grandmother to his grandmother and so on. i noticed two recipes already posted in recipezaar (julekake), but this one is prepared a bit different. it's a very dry fruit bread. definitely used for dunking in your coffee or slathered with butter. i am not a big fan of it, but i make it at christmastime for my husband as he adores it.

Steps

In a heatproof bowl , put all raisins together and cover with approximately 5 cups of boiling water to soften.

Set aside.

Mix the 2 packages of dry yeast with 1 / 2 cup of warm water.

Mix well and let sit.

Boil 2 cups of milk until scalded.

Turn down heat to medium and add the 3 / 4 cup of butter until melted.

Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl measure 3 / 4 cup granulated sugar , 1 teaspoon salt , and 1 / 4 of the container of cardamom.

Mix well.

Add the two beaten eggs to the dry mixture.

Then add the milk / butter mixture.

Gradually add 6 of the 8 cups of flour and the dissolved yeast.

Drain the raisins.

Add the raisins and citron to the mix.

Now add the remaining 2 cups of flour.

Time to knead the bread ! i use my heavy-duty mixer as it is easier on my hands and back.

If manual knead , place dough on floured breadboard and knead completely.

Once the bread is kneaded , place into a large pre-floured bowl and cover with a dish towel or cloth allowing i.

Ingredients

ground cardamom, citron, golden raisins, raisins, boiling water, dry yeast, warm water, 2% low-fat milk, salted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, flour, egg, butter