Aunt Betty's Panettone, Italian Christmas Bread

Strufoli does make a handsome - and fun - centerpiece.

But, to be honest, it doesn't have much of an scent, especially after it's been coated in honey.

Nope.  

To add that "Welcome home" feeling to a family get together, nothing beats the aroma of fresh from the oven bread.

And, at Christmas, nothing beats Panettone.

There's a legend about Panettone.  

It was created in Milan by a young nobleman named Antonio, who was in love with a baker's daughter.  

So he went to work for the baker, whose business was failing.  Antonio added butter, sugar, candied fruit and eggs to the bread dough.  

People loved the new creation - "Pane di Toni" or Tony's bread. 

                        Panettone

Grease a deep round pan

Preheat oven to 375º 

Heat  to scalding

1 cup milk

Let it stand until it is lukewarm.

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In a small mixing bowl, beat until creamy

1/2 cup butter (or margarine) softened

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

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Pour into a warmed mixing bowl

1/4 cup warm water

Add

2 tablespoon active dry yeast

Stir until yeast is dissolved.

Add the milk and butter mixture and stir well.

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Add

2 large eggs, beaten

2 cups flour

Beat until smooth.

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Blend in

1/2 cup citron peel

1/4 cup seedless raisins

1/2 cup mixed, diced candied fruits

1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

2 teaspoons ground anise

Add enough flour to make a soft dough

(about 2 cups). 

Turn out on a lightly floured surface and 

knead until dough is smooth and elastic.

Put in a well-oiled bowl, turning the dough 

to coat it with oil.

Cover with a damp towel.

Let stand in a warm place away from drafts 

about 1 1/2 hours (until doubled in bulk).

Punch down the dough and turn out.

Cover with bowl and let rest 10 minutes.

Shape dough in a round loaf and

place in greased round pan.

Cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour.

Cut an "X" in the top.

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Combine

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon cold water

Brush over the loaf.

Bake 1 hour or until brown.

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The dough can also be baked in 3 1-pound coffee cans.

Bake at 400º, about 40 minutes.

Perfect for small gifts.