Dresdner Stollen

Contributed to Recipe Goldmine by Aggie Thomas - Mesa, Arizona

1/2 cup diced mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried currants
2 tablespoons candied citron
3 tablespoons rum
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons tepid water
1/3 cup milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 to 3 cups flour
1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk, beaten
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 ounces chopped almonds (about 1/3 cup)
4 tablespoons melted butter
Confectioners' sugar

In a bowl, combine the mixed fruits, raisins, dried currants, citron and rum. Toss the fruits and let them stand for 1 hour.

Drain the fruits, reserving the liquid.

In a small bowl, soften the yeast with 1 teaspoon of the sugar in the tepid water for 10 minutes.

Heat the milk with the butter, the 1/3 cup of sugar and the salt until the butter melts, and the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool until lukewarm.

In a large bowl combine 2 1/2 cups of the flour with the milk mixture, yeast, whole egg, egg yolk rum and 1 teaspoon lemon peel. Mix the ingredients well to form a dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead for 10 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour if necessary, to produce a smooth and elastic dough.

Toss the fruits and the almonds with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the flour. Knead these ingredients into the dough, a little at a time, until they are evenly distributed. Place the dough in a large buttered bowl and turn so it is lightly coated with butter. Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in bulk.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board; work it down (do not punch dough). Roll it into an 8 x 12 inch oval. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Fold one side lengthwise over the center of the oval and press it down lightly. Fold in the other side, overlapping the first by 1 inch and press the edge down. Transfer the roll, seam side down, to a buttered baking sheet, cover with a towel, let it rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until the roll has almost doubled in bulk.

Bake the stollen in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes longer, or until it sounds hollow when it is tapped on the bottom.

Transfer it to a rack, brush it with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, and let it cool.

When cool, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

This recipe makes 1 cake, 12 inches long.