Stollen
Ingredients
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 rsp mace
1/8 tsp cardamom
3/4 c. ground blanched almonds
1/2 c. cold butter
1 c. cottage cheese, whirled smooth in food processor or blender
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. almond extract
2 Tbl. rum
1/2 c. currants
1/2 c. golden raisins
1/4 c. chopped candied orange peel*
3 Tbl melted butter
icing sugar
Method:
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, mace, cardamom, and almonds. Cut in butter with pastry blender or food processor.
Blend cottage cheese, egg, vanilla, almond extract and rum. Add currants, raisins, and peel. Stir into flour mixture. Mold into a ball. Roll dough out on floured board until it forms an oval 8 1/2 inches X 10 inches. Crease dough just off centre, parallel to the 10 inch side. Brush dough with 1 Tbl of melted butter. Fold smaller section over larger. Place on parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Since the outside of the Stollen often cooks faster than the inside, I make a parchment cover with an oval cut-out, which leaves the middle of the Stollen exposed to the oven. This prevents the outside from getting too cooked and dry.
When done, brush with remaining butter and sprinkle with icing sugar.
* I usually use home-made peel as it is more flavourful.