houska - bohemian christmas bread
This is a traditional Bohemian Christmas bread. It's along the same lines as the German Christmas Stollen. Houska is pronounced - "ho-ska." I prefer this over the German version because I don't like the taste of the traditional dried, candied Christmas fruit. This is time-consuming so make sure you have plenty of time on your hands! Letting the dough rise multiple times is key to this bread. Once you taste it you will realize it was well worth the work. A stand mixer works great when making sweet breads.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Every culture has a traditional bread and Houska is the Czech Republic's specialty. We've never tried this type of bread before and loved how light and fluffy it is. Egg and milk give this bread a rich flavor and make it slightly sweet. Raisins are peppered throughout and pops of sweetness. Almonds add another layer of flavor and a slight crunch. In our research, we discovered this is traditionally a braided bread. Since braiding can be tricky., we love that this recipe turns it into loaves making it a bread anyone can make. If there are leftovers it would be great for French toast or a French toast casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk, scalded
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 5 1/2 - 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup dark rasins
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
How To Make houska - bohemian christmas bread
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Step 1Scald milk and set aside to cool. It needs to be no warmer than 115 degrees. -
Step 2Dissolve yeast in warm water (temperature between 105-115 degrees).
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Step 3In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer blend the room temperature butter and sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffyl
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Step 4Add cooled scalded milk mixing as you go. Then add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg.
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Step 5Add 2 cups flour and salt. Beat until smooth.
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Step 6Cover and let rise for about 1/2 hour.
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Step 7Fold in the chopped almonds and raisins.
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Step 8Add a dough hook to your mixer or this can be done by hand. Add the rest of the flour a little at a time to make a soft dough.
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Step 9At this point you can turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth or use your dough hook and knead with that.
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Step 10Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 45 minutes.
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Step 11Punch down in the bowl and let rise again for 45 minutes.
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Step 12Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into two equal pieces.
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Step 13Place dough into two greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise again for another 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
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Step 14After 45 minutes, beat an egg and 1 Tbsp of water for an egg wash.
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Step 15Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash.
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Step 16Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
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Step 17Allow the loaves to cool for 5 minutes. Then remove from the pans to cool completely.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
