OLD-FASHIONED STOLLEN WITH ALMONDS

FOR THE SPONGE:
1 1/3 cups plus 1 1/2 teaspoons lukewarm milk, divided use (95 to 100 degrees F)
1 1/2 teaspoons lukewarm water (95 to 100 degrees F)
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 fresh yeast cake
2 2/3 cups all purpose flour
FOR THE DOUGH:
3 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons (about) all purpose flour, divided use
1 1/3 cups raisins
2/3 cup blanched slivered almonds
2/3 cup chopped candied fruit
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

TO PREPARE THE SPONGE:
Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons lukewarm milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons lukewarm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar in large bowl. Add yeast cake and stir until smooth. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Add flour and remaining 1 1/3 cups lukewarm milk and mix well. Cover and let sponge rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

TO PREPARE THE DOUGH:
Mix 3 tablespoons flour with raisins, slivered almonds and candied fruit in medium bowl; set aside.

Using electric mixer, beat unsalted butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, cardamom, vanilla and salt. Beat in sponge. Stir in fruit and nuts. Mix in enough remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time to form slightly sticky dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if very sticky, about 10 minutes.

Lightly oil large bowl. Add dough, turning to coat entire surface. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 2 1/2 hours.

TO SHAPE THE STOLLEN:
Grease heavy large cookie sheet. Punch dough down.

Divide dough in half. Pat each half into 10x16-inch oval. Fold in half lengthwise; pat gently. Place on prepared sheet. Cover and let rise in warm draft-free area until almost double in volume, about 2 hours.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

Bake until loaves are golden and sound hollow when tapped on bottom, about 1 hour. Transfer to rack and cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

TO MAKE AHEAD:
Stollen can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cool completely. Wrap stollen in plastic and store at room temperature.

Makes 2 loaves
From: Mrs. Wadi Williams: Villa Park, Illinois
Source: Bon Appetit/October 1991