Panettone

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar - For dusting
• Chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts) - 1/2 cup
• Dried fruits (such as raisins, candied orange peel, and dried cherries) - 1 cup
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Eggs - 4
• Unsalted butter - 1/2 cup, melted
• Warm milk - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1/2 cup
• Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• All - purpose flour - 4 cups

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and knead in the dried fruits and chopped nuts.
7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a panettone mold or a greased cake pan.
8. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the panettone for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the panettone from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
12. Transfer the panettone to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
13. Dust the top of the panettone with powdered sugar before serving.
14. Slice and enjoy!