Recipes
Appetizers
Breads
Main Dishes
Side Dishes
Brunch

Ham Glazes
Desserts
Cakes
Pies
Candies
Tree Cake
Santa Stick
XmasCookies
ChocolateTorte

Cupcakes
Leftovers
Salads
Sandwiches
Casseroles
Soups
Food Gifts
Bread Box
Xmas
Biscotti
Cross-Stitch
CandyWreath

XmasSnowman
Crafts
GiftWraps
Ornaments
Cross-Stitch
SantaStockings
Gingerbread


Cherry Christmas Coffee Bread

It's an edible Christmas tree--the baubles are candied green and red cherries.

1 cup milk
1/3 cup water
1 egg
1/3 cup margarine or butter, cut up
4-2/3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
1-1/3 cups dried tart cherries
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons bread flour
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Milk
Halved candied red and green cherries

Add the first 9 ingredients to the bread machine pan according to the manufacturer's directions. Select the dough cycle. When cycle is complete, remove dough from machine. Punch down. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, for filling, in a bowl combine the 2/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons bread flour, and 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. With a pastry blender, cut in 1/4 cup margarine or butter until crumbly. Set aside.

Divide the dough into thirds. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 12x6-inch rectangle. Sprinkle the rectangle with one-third of the filling, then fold in half to make a 12x3-inch rectangle. Cut into twelve 3x1-inch strips. Twist the strips. Arrange twisted strips on a greased large baking sheet to form a tree shape. Use 10 strips for the lower branches, placing cut ends toward the center, and one strip for the base. Cut remaining strip in half; use for top branches.

Repeat with remaining dough, forming two more tree shapes on baking sheets. Cover; let rise in a warm place about 30 minutes or until nearly double.

Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheets; cool on wire racks.

In a small bowl stir together powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in enough milk (3 to 4 teaspoons) to make a glaze of drizzling consistency. Drizzle over breads. Garnish with cherries. Makes 3 loaves (24 servings).

Always Kiss The Cook

1