Delicious Italian Christmas Cake: Orange and Saffron Panettone

Celebrate Christmas the Italian way with this flavorful and aromatic Orange and Saffron Panettone. This traditional Italian Christmas cake is a sweet and fluffy bread, studded with candied orange peel and infused with the delicate flavor of saffron. It's perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends during the holiday season. Follow this recipe to create a homemade Panettone that will fill your home with the warm and irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup lukewarm milk
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Set aside for 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, and saffron threads.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Fold in the chopped candied orange peel, raisins, and chopped almonds. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, or until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
7. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a panettone mold or a deep, greased round cake pan.
10. Cover the mold with greased plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1 hour more.
11. Bake the panettone in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Remove the panettone from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the mold and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, dust the panettone with powdered sugar and serve.

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