Paasiaisleipa ( Finnish Easter Bread)

• all-purpose flour↗6 - 6 1⁄2 cups
• sugar↗3⁄4 cup
• active dry yeast or fast rising yeast↗2 packages
• orange rind↗2 tablespoons
• lemons, rind of↗2 teaspoons
• ground cardamom↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• milk↗3⁄4 cup
• water↗1⁄2 cup
• butter or margarine↗1⁄2 cup
• eggs↗2

  at room temperature

• chopped dates or pitted dates, snipped1 cup
• chopped slivered almonds, toasted1⁄2 cup
• confectioners' sugar frosting

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom and salt.

2. 2

   Heat milk, water, and butter until very warm (120º to 130ºF).

3. 3

   Gradually add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.

4. 4

   Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat at high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.

5. 5

   Stir in enough additional flour to make soft dough.

6. 6

   Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.

8. 8

   Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

9. 9

   (For Rapid Rise Yeast, cover kneaded dough; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe).

10. 10

    Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured surface.

11. 11

    Knead in dates and almonds.

12. 12

    Divide dough in half; shape into 2 balls.

13. 13

    Place in 2 greased 8-inch round cake pans.

14. 14

    Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

15. 15

    Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 minutes, or until done.

16. 16

    Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

17. 17

    Top with confectioners' sugar frosting, if desired.