Stollen Recipe, Martha Stewart Style: A Festive Feast for the Holidays
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsMartha Stewart's Stollen Recipe TipsEmbark on a delectable journey to the heart of traditional holiday cheer with Ma……
Guide or Summary：
Embark on a delectable journey to the heart of traditional holiday cheer with Martha Stewart's timeless Stollen recipe. This rich, aromatic fruitcake is a cherished festive treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to those special in your life. With its tender, buttery texture and a symphony of flavors that include raisins, currants, and candied citrus, Stollen is not just a cake; it's a celebration of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F), plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup candied orange and lemon peel, chopped
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted and chopped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, mix together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy. If the yeast mixture does not become frothy, it means the yeast is dead or will not activate. As a result, the bread will not rise. If this happens, discard the yeast mixture and start again with fresh yeast.
2. **Cream the Butter**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
3. **Incorporate Wet Ingredients**: Add the beaten egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Blend until smooth.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. **Fold in Fruit and Nuts**: Gently fold in the raisins, dried currants, candied orange and lemon peel, and toasted almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. **First Rise**: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. **Shape and Second Rise**: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly to smooth it out. Shape the dough into a log and place it in a large, lightly greased loaf pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, or until it has risen to the top of the pan.
8. **Baking**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake the Stollen in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cooling**: Remove the Stollen from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Dusting**: Once cooled, dust the top of the Stollen with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Martha Stewart's Stollen Recipe Tips
- **Substitution**: If you prefer a sweeter Stollen, add an extra 1/4 cup of sugar to the dough.
- **Glaze**: For an extra special touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled Stollen.
- **Storage**: Store your freshly baked Stollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Baking Martha Stewart's Stollen recipe is a delightful way to infuse your holiday season with warmth and tradition. This classic fruitcake is not only a feast for the senses but also a cherished heirloom that you can pass down through generations. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a Stollen that will become a beloved holiday tradition in your home. Happy baking!