Simple Christmas Brioche

Nutrition
Calories: 335 kcalCarbohydrates: 59 gProtein: 12 gFat: 16 gSaturated Fat: 11 gCholesterol: 77 mgSodium: 337 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 25 gVitamin A: 8.75 IUCalcium: 44 mgIron: 11 mg
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins or candied fruit
- 2/3 cup brandy or orange juice
- ¾ oz yeast
- 1/3 cup skim milk
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 each egg whites
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Soak the raisins for 1 hour in the brandy, then drain.
- Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Pour the yeast into a bowl and whisk in the milk. Fold in 3/4 cup of the flour, then spoon the remaining flour on top. Do not mix in but let sit on top of the mixture until cracks begin to show.
- Blend in the flour, and add the eggs and the egg whites one at a time and incorporate completely. Mix for 6 to 8 minutes. Gradually mix in the butter. Add the salt and sugar, and completely combine; stir in the raisins.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover and set to rise in a warm place for 2 to 3 hours.
- Place on a floured surface and punch down gently, then form into a loaf. Lightly spray or wipe a 10 x 5-inch loaf pan with vegetable oil. Transfer to the pan. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1/2 hours, covered. Bake the loaf for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden.
