New Zealand-inspired Christmas Bread

Ingredients

This New Zealand-inspired Christmas Bread takes inspiration from the Czech Vánočka but incorporates flavors and ingredients commonly found in New Zealand cuisine. The addition of dried kiwi, cranberries, and macadamia nuts adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe, infusing it with a burst of fruity sweetness and a delightful crunch. We alse have the original recipe for Vánočka, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried kiwi, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried kiwi, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (60g) macadamia nuts, chopped 1/2 cup (60g) macadamia nuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup (25g) toasted coconut flakes 1/4 cup (25g) toasted coconut flakes

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (Sugar: 18g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and knead in the dried kiwi, cranberries, and macadamia nuts.
7. 7.
   Divide the dough into three equal portions and shape each portion into a long rope.
8. 8.
   Braid the ropes together and transfer the braided bread to a greased baking sheet.
9. 9.
   Cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. 11.
    Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. 12.
    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
13. 13.
    In a small bowl, mix together the toasted coconut flakes and a tablespoon of warm water to create a glaze.
14. 14.
    Brush the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle with additional toasted coconut flakes.
15. 15.
    Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried Kiwi — Soak the dried kiwi in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping to soften it slightly.
• Macadamia Nuts — Toast the macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Kiwi flavor, add a teaspoon of finely grated kiwi zest to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top before baking.
• Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts according to your preference.
• Serve the bread warm with a dollop of whipped cream or butter for an extra indulgence.
• Leftovers can be toasted and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the New Zealand-inspired Christmas Bread as a centerpiece on your holiday table. Slice it and arrange it on a festive platter for guests to help themselves. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the festive presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the bread just before serving. You can also garnish the platter with fresh kiwi slices and cranberries for an extra pop of color.