Best 2 Greek Christmas Bread Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Greek Christmas bread, a traditional sweet bread enjoyed during the festive season. This rich and aromatic bread, also known as Christopsomo, holds a special place in Greek households, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and family unity. With its golden crust, fluffy interior, and distinct flavors of orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg, Greek Christmas bread is a sensory delight that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. Discover the joy of baking this cherished bread with our curated collection of recipes, each providing unique variations to suit your taste preferences. From classic recipes that stay true to tradition to modern interpretations with a twist, we have something for every baker and palate.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

GREEK CHRISTMAS BREAD



Greek Christmas Bread image

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe uses 1/2 a recipe of Recipe #307801, which I am unable to list in the ingredient list. I hope this is not too confusing, but it was the only way Zaar would let me do it. From "Festive Breads from your Food Processor", Good Food Magazine, December 1986. From "Festive Breads from your Food Processor", Good Food Magazine, December 1986. If figs and raisins are very dry, soak separately in hot water to cover about 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 1h55m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 8

2/3 cup dried fig
1 teaspoon anise seed
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon anise extract
1/3 cup golden raisin
2 tablespoons honey

Steps:

  • Make Quick Yeast Dough.
  • Remove stems and cut figs into quarters. Place anise seeds in food processor fitted with steel blade; process 1 minute. Add figs, walnuts, sugar, orange zest, and an ise extract; process with on/off pulses until evenly chopped. Add raisins and process just until combined.
  • Roll out dough on lightly floured surface into 18x4-inch rectangle. Turn dough so that one long edge faces you. Spread filling over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border on each edge. Brush edges with water. Starting at one long edge, roll up at a slight angle so that one end is tapered and the opposite end is wide. (Loaf will be slightly horn-shaped.) Place loaf seam side down on unreased baking sheet. Twist dough, then starting at wide end as the base, roll dough upward into snail-shaped coil. Tuck tapered end into coil.
  • Cover loaf with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled, 25 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Brush loaf lightly with water. Bake 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake loaf 20 minutes longer. Transfer bread to wire rack and let cool slightly.
  • Brush honey over warm bread. Cut into 10 equal slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1015.1, Fat 39.6, SaturatedFat 3.8, Sodium 19.1, Carbohydrate 171.9, Fiber 16.4, Sugar 137.5, Protein 14.4

GREEK CHRISTMAS BREAD



Greek Christmas Bread image

A friend of mine was dating this Greek guy- whose mom gave her this recipe. It's very good and we both make it year round. Their relationship didn't last but this recipe will go on forever! Moral of the story; get as many old family recipes as you can - because you never know! Prep time is 30 minutes rising total is 3 hours baking is 30 - 35 minutes (depending on your oven)

Provided by veraj9170

Categories     Breads

Time 4h

Yield 2 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups fine sugar
12 3/4 cups flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 ounces dried figs
2 ounces dried apricots
1 1/3 cups almonds
1/2 cup warm water
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter
2/3 cup golden raisin
3 tablespoons orange zest
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Steps:

  • PREPARATION NOTES: Melt the butter, chop the dried figs, chop the apricots and chop the almonds.
  • Place yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp flour, salt and warm water into a small bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for about 15 - 20 minutes or until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together 4 eggs, the remaining sugar and the milk. Stir in the frothy yeast mixture, 6 1/2 cuts of the remaining flour and the vanilla extract. Stir in the melted butter then the remaining ingredients.
  • Mix to form a stiff dough, then turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes (add remaining flour if needed). The dough should smooth and soft.
  • Return the dough to the cleaned mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours or until doubled in size. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough back to its original size. Return to the bowl again, cover and leave in a warm place for another 30 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into about a 12 inch rope and braid three of them together, molding the ends together to seal. Repeat with the other three ropes and make another braid. Place each braid o a lightly oiled cookie sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place for a final 40 minutes until the braid has risen.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F
  • Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and glaze the tops of both braids. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath. Transfer to a wire rack to cool before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 5635.6, Fat 169.2, SaturatedFat 71.5, Cholesterol 798.4, Sodium 1415.4, Carbohydrate 904.7, Fiber 45.7, Sugar 248, Protein 136.5

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will ensure that your bread has the best possible flavor and texture.
  • Proof the yeast properly: This is essential for the bread to rise properly. Make sure the water is warm enough (not too hot or too cold) and that the yeast is fresh.
  • Knead the dough well: This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread a chewy texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place: This will help it to double in size. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the bread cooks evenly.
  • Brush the bread with olive oil after it comes out of the oven: This will help to keep it moist and give it a beautiful golden crust.

Conclusion:

Greek Christmas bread is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any holiday occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are looking for a traditional Greek bread or a new holiday favorite, this recipe is sure to please.

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