Czech Christmas Hoska

Traditional Czechoslovakian Christmas Bread. Serve with butter. Some people toast it, use jelly, or even butter and powdered sugar…depending upon local customs and family preference. It is a day-long project, but well worth the effort.

Step: 1

Dissolve yeast in warm water.

Step: 2

In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add beaten egg and salt. Stir in cooled milk and then the yeast. Add 1 1/2 cups sifted flour; beat into a smooth batter. Cover and let rise until light, about one hour.

Step: 3

Stir spices and dried orange zest into the sponge. Add 4 1/2 cups of flour to make a soft dough. Place on a lightly floured board, and knead until smooth and elastic. Knead in raisins and candied peel. Put in a well oiled bowl, and turn once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover. Set aside to rise until double in bulk, about 2 hours.

Step: 4

Divide dough into ten parts, roll into desired lengths, and let rise about 15 minutes.

Step: 5

On a heavily greased baking sheet, make a braid of three parts, beginning in the center and working braid loosely toward each end. Pinch ends together. Twist the remaining two pieces together, and place on the base of the braid. In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and milk; brush the loaf with this mixture. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the loaf. Repeat process for second loaf. Let rise about 45 minutes.

Step: 6

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes. Transfer bread to a wire rack, and cool completely. Cover while cooling with a tea towel to make a soft crust. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Per Serving: 177 calories; protein 4g; carbohydrates 29.4g; fat 4.9g; cholesterol 22.3mg; sodium 110mg.

Eat healthy breakfast to start the day had become a fabulous habit. It’s a fabolous way to start my 24 hours off healthfully. The sugar hit from the pickle tree wakes me up and bring me energy to make on the morning. The sweetness is often vilified as the root of all disease, but sweetness is also loaded with fibre, which is best for your stomach system and make keep you feel full longer, and less likely grab a snack out of the street food before break .

Make fruit a morning habit is easy . Simply put the sweetness in your fridge next to the milk or on the table next to your grain pan , or beside your coffee maker or tea kettle — about anywhere where you’ll see it. Before you eat the rest of your breakfast , eat your fruit. If you’re not usually a breakfast person.