Stollen (German Christmas Bread)

• 5 1/2 to 6 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 pkgs. dry yeast
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup margarine
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup candied fruit mix
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• Margarine to brush loaves
• 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar

Combine 2 cups flour with sugar, salt and yeast. Heat milk, water and margarine. When warm, add to dry ingredients and beat well. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour. Mix well. Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead on floured board until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl; turn it once so that the top will be greased. Cover and allow it to rise until doubled in size. Knead nuts, candied fruit and raisins into dough. Divide into thirds and roll into oblong loaves. Place on greased baking sheets, cover and let rise until doubled. Bake in 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Brush tops of loaves with margarine as soon as they are done; sprinkle powdered sugar.