Christosomo
This is the traditional bread baked for the Christmas holiday in various parts of Greece.
INGREDIENTS
3 packages (3 tablespoons) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 tsp plus
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tblsp plus 7 to 8 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk, scalded and cooled
1 tsp masticha flavoring
OR
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup slivered blanched almonds
1/2 cup white raisins
1 tsp grated lemon peel
COMBINE yeast, warm water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Let stand in a warm place until mixture bubbles and foams, about 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
IN a large bowl, beat together 4 eggs, 11/2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, cooled milk, and yeast mixture. Add 3 cups of flour and masticha or vanilla extract. Add melted butter, almonds, raisins, and lemon
peel. Continue to add flour and knead well about 5 minutes, or until dough is quite stiff but elastic.
PLACE in greased bowl. Cover first with plastic wrap and then with a damp towel. Let dough rise in a warm place until double in bulk. Punch down and turn over in bowl.
COVER and let rise for 30 minutes more. Shape dough into 6 ropes and braid 3 at a time. Place braids on a lightly greased cookie sheet and let rise for 40 minutes.
BEAT remaining egg and brush each braid with it. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Variation: 1 cup mixed candied fruit can be added with the almonds.
Yield 2 large braids.