Stollen

Preparation method

1. Place the milk and yeast into a bowl and mix well. Leave to sit for 5-6 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, sift the salt, sugar, flour and mixed spice into a large bowl.

3. Add the dried fruit, almonds and butter and mix well.

4. Add the yeast and milk mixture and mix well.

5. Add the egg and stir well to make a dough.

6. Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes, then cover and leave to prove for 20 minutes.

   Technique: How to knead bread dough

7. Uncover the dough and turn out onto a clean, floured work surface. Using your hands knock the dough back to reduce the volume, then knead the dough for 3-4 minutes.

   Technique: How to knead bread dough

8. Push and roll the dough out by hand into a flat oval shape about 23cm x 18cm/9in x 7in.

9. Roll the marzipan into a piece about 18cm x 5cm/7in x 2in. Place the marzipan into the centre of the dough, then fold over the sides of the dough to seal in the marzipan.

10. Place the stollen seal-side down onto a greased baking tray. Cover and place somewhere warm to prove for one hour.

11. Preheat the oven to 180C/365F/Gas 4.

12. Place the stollen on the baking tray into the oven to bake for 40 minutes, or until golden-brown and cooked through.

13. To finish, remove the stollen from the oven, brush with the melted butter and dust with icing sugar immediately.

14. Allow the stollen to cool, then serve in slices.

1-2 hours preparation time

30 mins to 1 hour cooking time

Serves 8-12