Grandmother'S Polish Bread
A hearty, sweet yeast bread with golden raisins and vanilla, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions with its rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a 6-quart pot.
- Stir in sugar, salt, and butter; cool to lukewarm.
- Measure warm water into a small bowl, crumble in yeast and stir until dissolved.
- Add the yeast mixture to the milk mixture, then stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour to the mixture, mixing well.
- Knead the dough in the pot for about 30 minutes until it no longer sticks to your hands.
- Add the golden raisins and knead them into the dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half.
- Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased 9x5x2-inch bread pans.
- Combine 1 beaten egg with 2 tablespoons of water, then brush this mixture onto the tops of the loaves.
- Let the loaves rise uncovered in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown and done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated before mixing. If you don't have golden raisins, regular raisins or dried cranberries can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. Kneading can be done on a floured surface if you prefer more space than a pot allows.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Polish bread warm with butter and jam for a delightful breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Mushroom Tarts as a savory side during brunch. For a comforting dessert, enjoy it with a drizzle of Heavy Cream Sauce or alongside a slice of Jewish Coffee Cake (Heritage Recipe) for a sweet treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable bag; it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or toast them directly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Polish Bread contains roughly 578 calories, with 6g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of potassium (14% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of fresh yeast cake?
Yes, you can substitute 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast for the 2 oz of fresh yeast. Simply mix the instant yeast with the dry ingredients instead of dissolving it in water. The rising times may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the dough.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the liquids were not too hot or too cold. Try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven or a sunny spot to encourage rising.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You could also mix in zest from an orange or lemon. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of white sugar can provide a richer taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).