Stollen made with Rapid Rise Yeast

Ingredients

• 2 envelope(s) Rapid rise yeast
• 4 1/2 cup(s) flour, divided 2 cups and 2 1/2
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon(s) mace
• 3/4 cup(s) 2% or whole milk
• 1/2 stick(s) butter
• 2 tablespoon(s) butter
• 1/4 cup(s) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup(s) water
• 1 or more cup(s) dried fruits
• 1/2 cup(s) raisins
• 3/4 cup(s) almonds
• 3 eggs beaten

Preparation

1. Mix yeast, 2 cups flour, salt, cinnamon and mace together.


2. Heat to scalding: milk, 1/2 stick butter, brown sugar,and water. Let cool to 120 degrees. Add this to the dry ingredients with the 3 beaten eggs in the food processor. Mix to form a dough.


3. Remove and beat in remaining 2 1/2 cups flour and knead for 3 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp. melted butter, dried fruits, raisins and almonds. Knead to mix. Let rest covered for 10 minutes. Shape into loaves and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.


4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes if 3 loaves and 45 minutes if 2 loaves. When cool, sprinkle with confestioners sugar.