CHRISTOPSOMO TIS KIRIAS ZINIS
(GREEK HOLIDAY BREAD)

FOR THE FLAVORING ADDITIONS:
4 1/2 cups semolina flour
2 1/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons freshly ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon freshly ground anise
1 tablespoon freshly ground coriander
2 teaspoons freshly ground cloves
3 oranges, divided use
6 tangerines, divided use
2 1/2 cups dried currants
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup mild olive oil
FOR THE DOUGH:
4 packages active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup hot water, just above body temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for kneading

THE DAY BEFORE BAKING MAKE THE FLAVORING ADDITIONS:
Combine the semolina flour, sugar, cinnamon, anise, coriander, and cloves in a bowl and add the finely grated zests of the oranges and tangerines. Squeeze some of the oranges and tangerines.

Squeeze some of the oranges and tangerines to obtain 1 1/4 cups juice. Use half this juice to soak the currants and raisins for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Put the remaining juice in a pan with the olive oil. Heat until almost boiling. Pour this into a bowl with the semolina and spice mixture and stir. Cover and leave overnight until needed.

NEXT DAY:
Combine the dried yeast with the sugar and hot water in a cup.

Put the flour in a bowl, making a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture.

Squeeze 2/3 cup more orange and tangerine juice, warm it, and add to the flour mixture. Work to a smooth dough, adding more water and warm juice if necessary. Put the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and leave to rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size - about an hour.

Punch down the dough in a bowl. Combine the drained currants and raisins with the semolina and spice mixture and, working with your hands, combine with the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour if the dough is sticky. Divide the dough into three equal pieces.

Oil 3 loaf pans, each 1-1/2 quart (6 cup) capacity. Shape each piece to fit the length of the pan and fit them in, so the corners are well filled. Cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm place until almost double in size - another hour.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degree F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or more; the loaves should be rich brown color and make a hollow sound when the unmolded bread is thumped on the bottom. Leave on a rack to cool. The bread will keep for at least 3 weeks.

Makes 3 loaves
Source: Recipes from a Greek Island by Susie Jacobs