Christmas Recipes > Yule Loaf

How to make Yule loaf:
A fruity loaf traditionally baked at Christmas, harking back to ancient times when the celebration was called Yuletide.



Ingredients

3/4 tablespoon fresh yeast or equivalent dried yeast
1/2 pint lukewarm water
4 cups strong white flour
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 3/4 cups currants
1/2 cup mixed candied peel
2 beaten eggs
2 teaspoons grated nutmeg
(see measure conversions for more information)

Method

- Sift the flour and salt into a large, warmed mixing bowl.
- If using dried yeast add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the 1/2 pint of lukewarm water and sprinkle the dried yeast into this.
- If using fresh yeast simply dissolve the yeast into the lukewarm water.
- The dried yeast has to be left for a few minutes to froth up.
- Add the yeast and water to the flour and stir.
- Cover with a clean cloth and leave to stand in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Cream the butter and sugar together and add this with the peel, eggs, currants and nutmeg to the flour and yeast mixture.
- Stir very thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a well-greased large loaf tin.
- Cover with a clean cloth and leave in a warm place until risen to the top of the tin.
- Bake for about 2 hours at 180 degrees centigrade (see temperature conversions).
- The loaf should be golden in colour and firm to the touch. Cool and keep for about 3 weeks before using.




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