Stolle De Noel (Christmas Stollen)

• Marinated fruit:
• 1/4 cup kirsch (cherry brandy) or apple juice
• 3 tablespoons candied lemon peel
• 3 tablespoons candied orange peel
• 3 tablespoons candied citron
• 3 tablespoons dried currants
• 3 tablespoons golden raisins
• Dough:
• 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup warm water (100u0b0 to 110u0b0)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or stick margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
• Cooking spray
• Glaze:
• 1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1. To prepare the marinated fruit, combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl, and let stand 1 hour. Drain the mixture in a sieve over a bowl, reserving the brandy and fruit mixture separately.
2. To prepare dough, dissolve yeast and 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, reserved brandy, milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup butter, salt, and egg to yeast mixture; beat at medium speed of a mixer until smooth. Stir in marinated fruit, 1 1/2 cups flour, and almonds. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.
3. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray; turn to coat top. Cover; let rise in a warm place (85u0b0), free from drafts, about 2 hours. Dough will not double in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)
4. Punch dough down; let rest 5 minutes. Roll into a 13 x 8-inch oval on a lightly floured surface. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; fold dough over lengthwise, leaving a 3-inch border. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350u0b0.
6. Uncover dough, and bake at 350u0b0 for 25 minutes or until browned and loaf sounds hollow when tapped; cool. Brush with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with powdered sugar.

apple juice, candied lemon, candied orange peel, candied citron, currants, golden raisins, yeast, granulated sugar, warm water, flour, milk, granulated sugar, butter, salt, egg, almonds, cooking spray, butter, powdered sugar

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/stolle-de-noel-christmas-stollen (may not work)