This is very like the Stollen recipe that I've been using for years (originally from the wonderful Sunset Book of Breads), but it is missing the fragrant flavor of mace and cardamom, and also the ground almonds. Recipe: 2 and 1/2 C flour 2 tsp BP 3/4 C sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp mace 1/8 tsp cardamom 3/4 C ground blanched almonds 1/4 lb butter 1 C ricotta 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 2 T rum 1 1/4 C dried fruit (raisins, currants, peel, etc) 3 T melted butter 2 T vanilla sugar Combind flour, BP, sugar, salt, spices, and almonds. Cut in butter. Blend ricotta, egg, vanilla, fruit, and stir into flour mixture until all ingredients moistened. Mold dough into dough, knead 6-10 turns until smooth. Roll out dough to fomr oval about 8x10. Brush with butter, crease, and fold smaller section over larger. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes, until brown and done in the middle. Brush with remaining butter, sprinkle with vanilla sugar.

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