Stollen

Stollen, a traditional German Bread usually eaten during the Christmas season is deliciously packed with candied fruits, raisins, citrus peel and the creamylicious texture and taste of the cream cheese is so irresistible.  This simple Stollen recipe is adapted from  Taste of Home and is made with baking powder instead of yeast which does not require rising.  

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
7 tbsp cold butter (divided)
1 cup cream cheese
1 cup raisins, green and red cherries and orange peel
1 egg
1 egg yolk
Icing Sugar (for dusting)

Methods:

• In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Cut in 6 tbsp butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
• In a small bowl combine cream cheese, raisins, green and red cherries, orange peel, egg and egg yolk.  Stir into the dry ingredients until just moistened.
• Turn onto a floured surface, knead 5 times.  Roll dough into oval shape (roughly about 10" x 8".  Fold the long side over within 1" of the opposite side; press edge lightly to seal.  Place on a greased baking sheet.

• Bake at 170 degree Celsius for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden brown.
• Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter, brush over loaf, remove to wire rack to cool completely.
• Dust with icing sugar.
• Slice and enjoy....