Ingredients

  • 1 packet yeast
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm milk
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (more may be needed)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 eggs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 dash salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon anise seed
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied figs
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied orange
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied cherry
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied citron peel
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • granulated sugar
  • dried beans (or a small baby figurine)

Method

  • Dissolve yeast in five tablespoons lukewarm milk and let sit five minutes.
  • Add the flour, sugar, eggs, melted butter, the remaining milk, salt, cinnamon, aniseed, raisins and vanilla.
  • Combine and knead dough until no longer sticky.
  • Grease dough with some butter, cover and let rise until the dough doubles in size.
  • Grease a baking sheet.
  • Punch down dough and knead lightly.
  • Form dough into a ring or"rosca" about 12 inches in diameter.
  • Place the dough ring on baking sheet.
  • Decorate the top of the ring with the candied fruit.
  • Let the dough rise again until doubled.
  • Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
  • Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  • Bake 40 minutes or until done.
  • Insert the baby figurine or bean from the underside.