Norwegian Christmas Bread Recipe

• 1 (0.25 ounce) package active dry Yeast
• 1 cup Warm Water (110 to 115 °F)
• ½ cup Sugar
• 1 Egg
• ¼ cup Butter/ Margarine, softened
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cardamom (ground)
• 3¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
• ½ cup Raisins
• ½ cup Citron/ Mixed Candied Fruit (diced)

• Combine together yeast and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast.
• Add sugar, egg, butter, salt, cardamom and 2 cups of flour. Mix well.
• Add in raisins, candied fruit and enough flour to form soft dough. Mix well.
• Turn the dough on a floured surface and knead till it turns smooth and elastic, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and turn to coat all the sides.
• Cover the bowl and allow it to rise for about 1 hour in a warm place.
• Punch the dough and divide it into half.
• Shape each portion into a flattened ball.
• Place the two loaves in 2 greased 9-inch round baking pans.
• Cover the pans and let the loaves rise until doubled in warm place, for about 1 hour.
• Bake the loaves at 350 °F (175 °C) for 30 to 35 minutes till they turn golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.