Recipe

Czech Christmas Hoska Recipe

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Ingredients

Directions

Step #1 Dissolve yeast in warm water.
Step #2 In a large bowl, cream sugar & butter.
Step #3 Add beaten egg & salt.
Step #4 Stir in cooled milk, & then the yeast.
Step #5 Add l l/2 c sifted flour; beat to smooth batter.
Step #6 Cover & let rise until light, about one hr.
Step #7 Stir spices & dried orange zest into the sponge.
Step #8 Add 4 l/2 c of flour to make a soft dough.
Step #9 Place on a lightly floured board, & knead until smooth & elastic.
Step #10 Knead in raisins & candied peel.
Step #11 Put in a well oiled bowl, & turn once to coat the surface of the dough.
Step #12 Cover.
Step #13 Set aside to rise until double in bulk, about 2 hrs.
Step #14 Divide dough into ten parts, roll this into desired lengths, & let rise about l5 mins.
Step #15 On a heavily greased baking sheet, make a braid of three parts, beginning in the center & working braid loosely toward each end.
Step #16 Pinch ends together.
Step #17 Twist the remaining two pieces together, & place on the base of the braid.
Step #18 In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk & milk; brush the loaf with this mixture.
Step #19 Sprinkle top sliced almonds over the loaf.
Step #20 Repeat process for second loaf.
Step #21 Let rise about 45 mins.
Step #22 Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 mins.
Step #23 Transfer bread to a wire rack, & cool completely.
Step #24 Cover while cooling with a tea towel to make a soft crust.
Step #25 Sprinkle top with confectioners' sugar.
Step #26 .
Enjoy the Czech Christmas Hoska recipe