Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya, Tomorrow...

...You're always a day away!

I didn't get a whole lot checked off my to-do list, but the cards and packages are in the mail.

Now I have to clean up that big mess. But that's okay! I have twenty hours - puh-lenty of time. I'm an expert procrastinator. Been honing that skill for 40 years.

I'd like to make my annual stollen loaves - awesome sweet bread with golden raisins (last year I started skipping the candied fruit). It's incredible when warm and slathered with butter - real butter, of course.

HOLIDAY BRAID (Stollen)

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cup butter
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon water
GLAZE:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
Additional candied cherries, optional

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and lemon peel. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add yeast mixture and whole egg; mix well. Stir in cherries and raisins. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (dough will not double in size). Punch dough down; divide into four pieces. Roll three pieces into 15-in. ropes. Braid ropes; place on a greased baking sheet. Divide last portion of dough in half; roll each into a 15-in. rope. Twist ropes. Press an indentation down the center of braided loaf; place twisted dough in indentation. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over loaf. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil; bake 20-25 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack. Combine sugar and milk; drizzle over loaf. Decorate with cherries if desired.

YUM. Makes a great gift, too. I always double the recipe. That way, if I give one away, we still have one for ourselves. I'm always thinking. And procrastinating. And coughing. Still (day 11).