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Holidays & Special Occasions

Christmas Spiced Bread (Pao de Especiarias de Natal)

sjfegan

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10
Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 100g (1/2 cup) Sugar
  • 240ml (1 cup) Warm milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 115g (1/2 cup) Butter, softened
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 150g (1 cup) Mixed dried fruit and nuts
  • 1 egg, beaten, for glazing

Method

  1. Dissolve the yeast and a little sugar in the warm milk and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Combine the flour, remaining sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl, then add the yeast mixture, eggs and softened butter, kneading for 12–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.
  4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled.
  5. Shape into a round or braided loaf and place on a baking tray.
  6. Let rise for a further 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  8. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 35–40 minutes until deeply golden.

Introduction: A rich, spiced bread studded with dried fruit and nuts, baked to mark Christmas, one of the most significant celebrations of the Iberian calendar during this era.

Cultural Background: Christmas held deep religious and social significance across Iberia, and rich, spiced breads like this one, made with increasingly available trade spices and dried fruit, marked the season’s festivities in households throughout the region.

Tips: Knead the dough thoroughly for the full time specified, as this develops a soft, rich crumb. Let the bread cool before slicing, as this helps the crumb structure set properly.

Variations: Adjust the mix of dried fruit and nuts according to what’s available. Add a little citrus zest for extra fragrance.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Not typically reheated; served at room temperature or lightly toasted.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 1 slice): 320 kcal, 8 g protein, 12 g fat, 46 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Was Christmas widely celebrated across Iberia during this era?

A: Yes, Christmas held profound religious and social significance, celebrated with special foods, family gatherings and church observances throughout Iberian society.

Q: Why were spices like cinnamon and nutmeg featured in festive breads?

A: Their increasing, if still relatively costly, availability through expanding trade routes made them a fitting way to mark the special significance of Christmas festivities.

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