Ingredients

  • 2 containers (4 oz. each) mixed candied fruits
  • 1/2 c. seedless raisins
  • 2 envelopes dry yeast
  • 3/4 c. plus 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter or regular oleo, softened
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 c. blanched almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 stick butter or oleo, melted
  • 1 (4 oz.) container candied cherries
  • 1 1/2 c. milk
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cardamon
  • 1 tsp. grated lemon rind
  • 3/4 tsp. almond extract
  • 1 tsp. rum flavoring
  • 8 c. all-purpose flour

Method

  • Combine fruits and nuts in bowl and dredge with 1/4 cup flour. Heat milk in small saucepan (or in microwave bowl in microwave oven) until very warm, not hot.
  • Pour into large bowl.
  • Sprinkle yeast and the 1/2 teaspoon sugar into milk.
  • Stir to dissolve; let stand until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in remaining sugar, softened shortening, eggs, salt, cardamon, lemon rind, almond and rum flavorings and 3 cups of the flour.
  • Beat until smooth.
  • Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.
  • Turn out onto a floured surface.
  • Knead until smooth and elastic, about 15 minutes, using only as much additional flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.