Stollen Recipe

Stollen is a traditional German bread-like cake that is associated with the Christmas season. It is believed to have originated in Dresden, Germany, and has been enjoyed for over 500 years. The history of Stollen can be traced back to the 15th century when it was first mentioned in a document that regulated the production and sale of Christmas bread.

Fun Fact: The shape of Stollen is said to resemble the swaddled Christ Child, symbolizing the baby Jesus in the manger.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for Stollen:

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of flour
- 1 cake of compressed yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 pint of lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 pound of creamed butter
- 1/4 pound of seeded raisins
- 1/4 pound of sugar
- Yolks of 4 eggs
- 4 ounces of powdered almonds
- Grated peel of a lemon
- Melted butter for brushing

Instructions:

1. Sift the two pounds of flour into a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour.

2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the compressed yeast in the lukewarm milk. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

3. Pour the yeast mixture into the well in the flour. Mix it gently with your fingers until it forms a sticky sponge. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Cream the half pound of butter and add it to the risen sponge. Then, add the seeded raisins, sugar, egg yolks, powdered almonds, and grated lemon peel. Mix everything together well, using your hands. It is important to beat the dough rather than kneading it.

5. Cover the bowl again with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for at least three hours in a warm place. The dough should double in size.

6. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into one or two portions, depending on the desired size of your Stollen loaves.

7. Shape the portions of dough into long loaves, making them narrower at the ends to create the traditional Stollen shape. Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.

9. Brush the top of the Stollen loaves with melted butter. This will give them a golden and shiny finish.

10. Let the Stollen loaves rise again for about 30 minutes.

11. Bake the Stollen in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).

12. Once the Stollen is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Fun Fact: Traditional Stollen is often coated with powdered sugar to resemble the snow-covered landscape during the Christmas season.

Stollen is best served after it has rested for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld together. It can be enjoyed as is or sliced and spread with butter. Stollen is a delicious treat to savor during the holiday season and it also makes a wonderful homemade gift.

Similar recipe dishes to Stollen include Panettone from Italy, which is a similar sweet bread with dried fruits, and Bretzel from Germany, which is a savory pretzel-shaped bread. These recipes all have their own unique histories and cultural significances, but they all share the common thread of being enjoyed during festive occasions.

So, why not give Stollen a try this holiday season? It's a delightful treat that will surely bring joy to your family and friends.