twisted christmas tree bread

Name: Twisted Christmas Tree Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ## FILLING:; 1/2 cup(s) raisins or crasins; 1/4 cup(s) chopped maraschino cherries; 1/4 cup(s) chopped apricots; 1/3 cup(s) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon(s) cinnamon; 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice; 1/3 cup(s) boiling water; ## DOUGH:; 2 cup(s) sifted cake flour; 3/4 teaspoon(s) salt; 5 tablespoon(s) cold real butter; 1 large egg, slightly beaten; 2 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder; 3 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon(s) grated lemon rind; 1/3 cup(s) light cream

(1 RATING)

60 Pinches 1 Photo

Pat Duran

Las Vegas, NV

Updated on Dec 18, 2011

Started making this Christmas bread when I was first married 46 years ago and I am still making it. Now my neighbors always look forward to their personal Christmas Tree Bread. I have not disappointed them in 20 years.

Rate

internet photo....will change when I make it for Thanksgiving. I usually braid it more..

prep time 20 Min

cook time 20 Min

method Bake

yield 1 tree bread

Ingredients

FILLING:
1/2 cup raisins or crasins
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1/4 cup chopped apricots
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup boiling water
DOUGH:
2 cups sifted cake flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold real butter
1 large egg, slightly beaten
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/3 cup light cream

How To Make twisted christmas tree bread

Step 1

Filling: Combine all fruits, sugar, cinnamon, the boiling water and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is melted and mixture is well blended. set aside to cool. This may be made the day before.

Step 2

Dough: Measure sifted flour, add baking powder, salt and 3 Tablespoons of sugar and sift together. Cut in butter. Add lemon rind, Combine egg and cream. Add to flour mixture, stirring only until soft dough is formed about 20 strokes. Turn out on lightly floured surface; knead about 1 minute.
Step 3

To Make Tree: Divide dough in 1/2. Roll each 1/2 into a triangle, (tree shape, about 1/8 inch thick). Trim off a narrow strip from bottom of each triangle; cut strip in half. Place one of the triangles on greased baking sheet. Fasten 2 of the strips at bottom to form a tree trunk. Spread cooled filling evenly over entire tree, leaving 1/4 inch edge of pastry. Moisten edge. Arrange the second triangle and remaining 2 strips on top; press edges together like for pie crust. Cut 4 or 5 slits on each side of tree and 3 or 4 in center of tree for vents. Twist side tips upward to resemble branches(filling will show) Bake in 375^ oven for 20-25 minutes. Frost with a simple white icing and sprinkle with green decorating sugar. Decorate with red hot cinnamon candy pieces, here and there.
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!

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

Just A Pinch Sweepstakes