Schnitzbrot (German Christmas Bread)

1. 1

   Lightly grease three 9x5-inch loaf pans; grease a large bowl. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a separate large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water; set aside until the mixture turns creamy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the sugar until combined, then stir in 3 cups flour until well combined.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, combine the prune juice and mincemeat in a medium saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat, then stir in the prunes, raisins, walnuts, brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and salt.

4. 4

   Add the mincemeat mixture to the yeast mixture; gradually stir in the remaining 7 cups flour, 1 cup at a time, until well blended and a moist dough forms (you may not need all of the flour).

5. 5

   Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface; knead it into a ball. Transfer the dough to the greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and set aside in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

6. 6

   Punch down the dough; turn it out onto a floured work surface, knead lightly, and return it to the bowl. Set aside to rise again, about 1 hour.

7. 7

   Punch down the dough; turn it out onto a floured work surface and divide into 3 loaves. Place each loaf in a prepared pan; lightly brush each top with 1 teaspoon butter.

8. 8

   Cover the pans with a clean cloth; set aside to rise until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

9. 9

   Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C); continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out mostly clean, about 30 minutes more. Cool slightly, remove from the pans, and cool on wire racks.

• Calories 418.71 kcal ▲ High 21%
• Protein 7.56 g — Moderate 15%
• Carbohydrate 79.93 g 29%
• Total Fat 7.85 g — Moderate 10%
• Saturated Fat 2.65 g — Moderate 13%
• Trans Fat 0.0 g ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Cholesterol 9.61 mg ⌄ Low Source 3%
• Sodium 34.12 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Dietary Fiber 5.01 g — Moderate 18%
• Total Sugars 29.13 g --
• Added Sugars 0.41 g ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Calcium 28.71 mg ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Iron 3.37 mg — Moderate 19%
• Potassium 306.18 mg ⌄ Low Source 7%
• Vitamin A 41.68 mcg ⌄ Low Source 5%
• Vitamin C 0.63 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Vitamin D 0.0 mcg ⌄ Low Source 0%

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Tree Nuts 🌰
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten