Italian Holiday Quick Brunch Bread

As promised I wanted to present this stollen like bread which could never replace my dad's Czech bread. (see yesterday's post) However, if you are lacking in time, this Italian quick bread stands alone with its flavor and ease in preparation. The "real" Czech bread like most breads requires the resting, rising and kneading. This one does not. The flavors are similar but the consistency is much more dense rather than flaky. I love both!

Ingredients:

4 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups ricotta cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup sugar

4 T candied fruit

2 T golden raisins

1 T chopped almonds

1 T orange zest

1 T sugar

1 1/2 T butter or melted margarine

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl place sifted flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in the ricotta, eggs, raisins, nuts, sugar, vanilla and orange zest. Toss in the candied fruit and mix well. Only knead lightly to form into a loaf about 12 inches long. Place onto a greased and floured cookie sheet. Bake for about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Brush with melted butter or margarine and sprinkle the loaf with sugar.

This is perfect all by itself, but it's slightly decadent sliced and toasted with butter on top. Yum!