Christopsomo Tis Kirias Zinis

Servings: 3
Ingredients:

4 1/2 c  Semolina flour
2 1/4 c  Sugar
3 tb Freshly ground cinnamon
1 tb Freshly ground anise
1 tb Freshly ground coriander
2 ts Freshly ground cloves
3    Oranges
6    Tangerines
2 1/2 c  Dried currants
1 c  Golden raisins
1 c  Olive oil, mild

——————————-STARTER DOUGH——————————-
4 pk Active dry yeast
1/2 ts Sugar
1/2 c -Hot water, just above body
- temperature
4 c All-purpose flour;
-plus extra for kneading

Make the flavoring addition first. Combine the semolina flour, sugar,
cinnamon, anise, coriander, and cloves in a bowl and add the finely grated
zests of the oranges and tangerines. Squeeze some of the oranges and
tangerines. Squeeze some of the oranges and tangerines to obtain 1 1/4
cups juice. Use half this juice to soak the currants and raisins for a
minimum of 1 hour, preferably overnight. Put the remaining juice in a pan
with the olive oil. Heat until almost boiling. Pour this into a bowl
with the semolina and spice mixture and stir. Cover and leave overnight
until needed.

Next day, combine the dried yeast with the sugar and hot water in a cup.
Put the flour in a bowl, making a well in the center. Pour in the yeast
mixture. Squeeze 2/3 cup more orange and tangerine juice, warm it, nad
add. Work to a smooth dough, adding more water and warm juice if
necessary. Put the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and
leave to rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size - about an
hour.

Punch down the dough in a bowl. Combine the drained currants and raisins
with the semolina and spice mixture and, working with your hands, combine
with the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10
minutes, adding more flour if the dough is sticky.

Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Oil 3 loaf pans, each 1-1/2
quart capacity. Shape each piece to fit the length of the pan and fit
them in, so the corners are well filled. Cover with a cloth and leave to
rise in a warm place until almost double in size - another hour.

Bake in an oven preheated to 350 F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or more; the
loaves should be rich brown color and make a hollow sound when the
unmolded bread is thumped on the bottom. Leave on a rack to cool. The
bread will keep for at least 3 weeks.

Source: Recipes from a Greek Island - by Susie Jacobs
ISBN:0-671-74531-X

Typed for you by Karen Mintzias

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