Preparation:
Take 1- 1 1/2 Cups dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, raisins, whatever you like) and mix with hard apple cider and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and let sit till it cools.
To soften yeast, in a large bowl combine: apple cider left after soaking the fruit (add water if necessary to make 2 cups) and yeast. Let soften. Allow yeast to proof. Stir in Sugar, Salt and 3 C. flour. Beat well. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Add fruit. Mix and to make a stiff dough gradually add 2 to 3 cups more of the flour.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead dough until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, turning to get the grease on top. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, 45 -60 minutes.
Punch down shape and let rise 45-60 minutes until doubled. Bake @ 375 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.
I usually braid this, it is beautiful. Today I think I'll make rolls with i |
