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Kulich
This bread still highlights Easter in the Soviet Union. People bring
a loaf to church for the priest to bless and then serve it as part
of dessert following Easter Dinner. Point out when you serve it as
part of dessert following Easter dinner. Point out when you service
it that the frosted top represents a church dome with snow on it.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105�-115��)
1/2 cup warm milk (105�-115��)
1/3 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
2-3 cups flour
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cups toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped candied mixed fruit
Icing
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Combine warm
milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, cardamom, salt, and
lemon peel in a large bowl. Add 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast mixture, and
eggs. Mix thoroughly. Add almonds and candied fruit. Add enough
remaining flour to make a soft dough.
Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth�about 10 minutes.
Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in warm
place until double�about 1-1/2 hours. Punch down dough. Shape into a
ball; try to get a nicely rounded top. Place in well-greased 1-pound
coffee can. Cover; let rise in warm place until double�about 45
minutes. Bake in a preheated 350�F over 35-40 minutes or until done.
Cool on wire rack.
Mix thoroughly confectioners' sugar and lemon juice. Spoon icing
over top of kulich, allowing to drip down sides. If you wish to be
traditional, use candied fruit to form letters "XB," standing for
"Christ is risen."
Recipe Source: Ukrainian Easter: Traditions, Folk Customs and
Recipes by Mary Ann Woloch Vaughn, Ukrainian Heritage Company, 1983
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