Swiss Christmas Bread

Ingredients

• •4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• •2 packages active dry yeast
• •1/4 cup white sugar
• •1 teaspoon salt
• •1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• •1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• •1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• •1 cup milk
• •1/2 cup water
• •1/4 cup margarine
• •1 egg
• •1/2 cup raisins
• •1/2 cup halved candied cherries
• •1/4 cup candied citron peel
• •1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• •1 tablespoon butter, melted
• •1 teaspoon white sugar

Directions

1. 1In a saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter or margarine until warm.
2. 2In large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, mace, and cloves; mix well.
3. 3Stir in warm milk mixture and egg. Blend with an electric mixer at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
4. 4By hand, stir in raisins, cherries, citron, nuts, and enough remaining flour to make a firm dough.
5. 5Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 5 to 8 minutes.
6. 6Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover. Let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. 7Punch dough down. Shape into a round loaf, and place in a greased 2 quart casserole. Cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. 8Brush top of loaf with melted butter, and sprinkle lightly with 1 teaspoon sugar.
9. 9Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes, until deep golden brown. If too dark, cover loosely with foil last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
10. 10Cool and serve.