Kulich Bread

Kulich is a traditional Russian Easter bread.

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• Few dashes of powdered saffron
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 4 cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 1-2 cups Candied fruits and peels, dried fruits and berries, fresh blueberries
• Few tablespoons of rum
• Glaze (optional)

Step 1: In a small bowl, soak the raisins, candied fruits, and the saffron in the orange juice and rum.

Step 2: Let soak for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: In a baking dish, combine the marinated raisin mixture with the rest of the ingredients. Kulich is traditionally made in a tall cylindrical baking dish.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 5: Bake until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool. If desired, drizzle with glaze. Optionally, top with more candied fruits. Serve.