A traditional French Christmas sweet bread, this delicious brioche is filled with a mix of dried fruits and flavored with orange blossom water. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack with your favorite cup of tea.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water (optional)
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (such as currants, raisins, apricots, etc.)
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the warm water. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12 inches by 18 inches. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with dried fruits. Roll up like a jelly roll and place in an oiled 9 inch round cake pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size again.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with remaining melted butter. Let cool before serving.
