Christmas Bread Jule Kaga

This is a moderately sweet cardamom flavored bread. excellent for the holidays - or any special day! we like this lightly toasted with either peanut butter or butter and orange marmalade.

Steps

Plump raisins by placing them in a microwavable container adding 1 c water for 3 minutes.

Dissolve yeast in 1 / 2 c warm water , set to the side.

Mix together shortening , milk , sugar , salt , eggs , cardamom.

Add in proofed yeast mixture and slowly add flour and reserve about 1 / 2 cup.

If using kitchen aid with dough hook , mix for 5 minutes , if not , knead by hand for 3 minutes.

Chop cherries , raisins and nuts mixed with the remaining flour and then work into bread.

Place in a large greased bowl and let raise for one hour in a warm area.

Punch down bread and place into greased bread pans - should make 3 large loaves or 4 medium.

Let raise one hour.

Preheat oven to 325.

Cook bread for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

Ingredients

flour, yeast, warm water, milk, shortening, sugar, salt, eggs, cardamom, raisins, candied cherry, walnuts