Houska (Bohemian Christmas Cake)
Ingredients
- 3 packages active dried yeast
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar sprinkled over yeast
- 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled
- 1/2 cup stick butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Grated rind of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1/2 cup light raisins
- 20 to 25 maraschino cherries, rinsed, drained and cut up
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 6 to 8 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients. Knead until well mixed. Let rise in warm protected area until double in size.
- Knead down flat about 1-inch thick. (Use rolling pin or pat down.) Make long strips about 1-inch wide, intertwine 4 strips to make bottom. Then braid 3 strips for top. Place on top of 4 strips; secure with wooden picks. Let rise 1/2 hour or so.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 325 degrees F.
- While still warm mix confectioners' sugar and water; drizzle over top of cake.
Notes
Using a little more liquid + 8 cups flour, you can make 2 loaves.
An egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk and brushed on loaves makes a shiny loaf (before baking).
