Christopsomo Tis Kirias Zinis
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Greek
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 3
 

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups semolina flour
2 1/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon freshly ground anise
1 tablespoon freshly ground coriander
2 teaspoons cloves
3 medium oranges
6 medium tangerines
2 1/2 cups dried currants
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup olive oil -- mild
---starter dough---
4 packages active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup hot water -- just above body temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour -- plus extra for kneading
 

Preparation:

Make the flavoring addition first. Combine the semolina flour, sugar, cinnamon, anise, coriander, and cloves in a bowl and add the finely grated zests of the oranges and tangerines. Squeeze some of the oranges and tangerines. Squeeze some of the oranges and tangerines to obtain 1 1/4 cups juice. Use half this juice to soak the currants and raisins for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably overnight. Put the remaining juice in a pan with the olive oil. Heat until almost boiling. Pour this into a bowl with the semolina and spice mixture and stir. Cover and leave overnight until needed. Next day, combine the dried yeast with the sugar and hot water in a cup. Put the flour in a bowl, making a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture. Squeeze 2/3 cup more orange and tangerine juice, warm it, and add. Work to a smooth dough, adding more water and warm juice if necessary. Put the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and leave to rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size - about an hour. Punch down the dough in a bowl. Combine the drained currants and raisins with the semolina and spice mixture and, working with your hands, combine with the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, adding more flour if the dough is sticky. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Oil 3 loaf pans, each 1-1/2 quart capacity. Shape each piece to fit the length of the pan and fit them in, so the corners are well filled. Cover with a cloth and leave to rise in a warm place until almost double in size - another hour. Bake in an oven preheated to 350F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or more; the loaves should be rich brown color and make a hollow sound when the unmolded bread is thumped on the bottom. Leave on a rack to cool. The bread will keep for at least 3 weeks. Source: Recipes from a Greek Island - by Susie Jacobs ISBN:0-671-74531-X