Panettone (Italian Christmas Cake)

Panettone literally means big bread, 

and is one of those foods that we Italians MUST have on Christmas day.

I am usually lucky enough to find it at stores like TJMax, Big Lots and similar. 

But this year I didn't.

Truth is that even when I find it, it runs about $7 to $10...for a small one.

So this year I decided to make my own, 

after all, 

I love to make pane (=bread) and Panettone is a bread like dessert. 

As most Italian desserts, 

Panettone is not super sweet.

Here is what you need to make it.

2 pkgs dry yeast
1 c warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
5 to 5 1/2 c flour(I used whole wheat), divided
1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c. raisins

Sometime Panettone has candied fruit added to it, but the original recipe from Milano only has raisins.

And that's what I did.

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.

 Add 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup butter, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, and salt.

Mix until smooth. Stir in raisins, and enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Knead until smooth.

  Cover the bowl and let rise in a place free from drafts for 1 hour. (I just let mine rest in the microwave)

Punch dough down and roll into a smooth ball. place in a tall baking pan ***I baked the Panettone in a tall pot, since I can do it with mine*** 

 Cut a cross on top of loaf. Cover and let rise in the oven (turned off), free from drafts, for another hour.

Uncover dough, and bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. 

(Shield bread with aluminum foil after 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.) 

Cost of making Panettone at home
less than $2

***I like to put my slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds before eating.Yum!***

Buon Natale

Merry Christmas

and Stay Frugal,

Daniela

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