Grandma's Swiss New Year's Bread: Zuepfe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam, melted and cooled

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the orange juice, orange zest, and raisins.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle with the melted apricot jam.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan before turning out onto a cake plate. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Interesting Facts

• Zuepfe is a Swiss-German word meaning “twist”, referring to the shape of the bread.
• Zuepfe is traditionally served with butter, honey, and tea or coffee.
• This bread is traditionally served on New Year's Day in Switzerland.