INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packet (21/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional)
• I egg, beaten (for egg wash)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg) in a bowl.
2. Heat milk and butter until warm. Add grated orange peel.
3.  Combine wet and dry ingredients, add eggs, then knead into a soft dough.
4. Let dough rise until doubled in size (about I hour).
5. Knead in orange peel, raisins, and almonds (if using), then shape into loaves.
6. Let rise again until doubled in size (about 30-45 minutes).
7. Preheat oven to 3500F (1750C). Brush loaves with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on wire rack before slicing.