Christmas Stollen

== Description ==
* Serves 15
== Ingredients ==
* ½ cup raisins, dark or golden
* ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped
* ¼ cup unsweetened apple juice or ¼ cup rum
* 1 pack (or 1 tbsp) active dry yeast
* ⅓ cup milk, heated to lukewarm (105 to 110°F)
* ½ cup flour
* ½ cup margarine
* 2 tbsp sugar
* ¼ tsp salt
* ¼ tsp almond extract
* 1 tsp lemon rind, grated
* 1 to 1½ cup flour
* ½ cup sliced blanched almonds
* ½ cup low-sugar apricot preserves
== Directions ==
# Combine the raisins, apricots and apple juice (or rum) in a bowl.
# Let soak overnight or for at least 4 hours.
# Combine the yeast, milk and the ½ cup of flour in a bowl.
# Mix until smooth and the mixture looks like thick mashed potatoes.
# Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 10 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
# Meanwhile, cream the margarine, sugar, salt, almond extract and lemon rind.
# Beat in the yeast mixture and 1¼ cups of the flour.
# Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead in about 1⁄4 cup more flour, or until the dough is soft.
# Knead for 3 minutes.
# Put in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1½ to 2 hours.
# Once the dough has doubled, knead in the raisin mixture and almonds.
# Knead until well mixed.
# Roll the dough into a rectangular 12- by 6-inch shape.
# Roll up jelly roll fashion.
# Place on a lightly-oiled baking sheet and let rise about 30 minutes.
# Bake in a 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
# Cool partially on a wire rack.
# Glaze the cool but not cold stollen with the apricot preserves. 
== Nutritional information ==
* Calories per 1 serving 162 | carbohydrates 23 | protein 2 | fat 7 | sodium 116 | potassium 121 | cholesterol 0 
* Exchange value: 1 bread + ½ fruit + 1 fat exchange
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Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Almond extract Recipes
Category:Apple juice Recipes
Category:Apricot preserves and jam Recipes
Category:Cake Recipes
Category:Christmas Desserts
Category:Diabetic-friendly Recipes
Category:Dried apricot Recipes
Category:Lemon peel Recipes
Category:Milk and cream Recipes