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Paasiaisleipa (Finnish Easter Bread)

Source of Recipe

Fleischmann's


Recipe Introduction

Ground cardamom combined with grated orange and lemon peels gives this Finnish loaf an exotic taste, while dates and slivered almonds give it a rich, hearty texture. When spread with cream cheese, this bread makes a delightful breakfast or snack.

List of Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour (6 to 6 1/2 cups)
3/4 cup sugar
2 packages Active Dry or Rapid Rise Yeast
2 tablespoons orange peel
2 teaspoons lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 eggs, at room temperature
1 cup chopped dates or pitted dates, snipped
1/2 cup chopped slivered almonds, toasted
Confectioners' sugar frosting, optional


Recipe

1. In large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom and salt. Heat milk, water, and butter until very warm (120º to 130ºF). Gradually add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat at high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough additional flour to make soft dough.

2. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. (For Rapid Rise Yeast, cover kneaded dough; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe.)

3. Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead in dates and almonds. Divide dough in half; shape into 2 balls. Place in 2 greased 8-inch round cake pans. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

4. Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 minutes, or until done. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks. Top with confectioners' sugar frosting, if desired.