“Festive Cranberry-Citrus Twist Wreath Bread.”

“Festive Cranberry-Citrus Twist Wreath Bread.”

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Combine the filling ingredients: Mix the dried cranberries, candied citrus peel, sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon in a bowl.

Shape the Bread:

1. Roll the dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Add filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll up the dough: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other.
4. Form the wreath: Transfer the roll to a parchment-lined baking sheet, connect the ends to form a circle, and make cuts around the outside every 2 inches, twisting the segments slightly.
5. Second rise: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the bread: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Glaze:

1. Prepare the glaze: Mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
2. Glaze the bread: Drizzle over the warm bread.

This festive and flavorful bread is a delightful treat, perfect for sharing during special occasions or enjoying with a cup of tea. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet citrus is sure to please any pala