A Golden Christmas

The Allure of Saffron at Christmas

As the festive season approaches, our homes fill with the warmth and comfort of holiday traditions. Among the evergreen scents and spiced aromas, there's a special place for saffron – a golden treasure that elevates our Christmas feasts to new heights. This delicate spice, with its deep, earthy notes and vibrant hue, brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to any dish. This Christmas, we invite you to explore the exquisite delight of saffron through a recipe that promises to be a showstopper on your holiday table.

Saffron Star of the Season: Christmas Saffron Bread

Nothing quite captures the essence of Christmas like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This year, give your traditional holiday bread a luxurious twist with saffron, creating a visually stunning and delectably fragrant centerpiece for your festive feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk

• 1 teaspoon saffron threads

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup raisins

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Milk: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. Add the saffron threads and allow them to steep for 10 minutes, releasing their vibrant color and unique flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm saffron-infused milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

3. Prepare the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by the melted butter and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms. Incorporate the raisins, kneading gently to evenly distribute them.

4. Let it Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or braided bread. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

6. Finishing Touch: Allow the bread to cool before dusting it lightly with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, fragrant delight of saffron-infused bread with your loved ones.

Celebrate with a Touch of Gold

As you gather around the table with family and friends, this saffron-infused bread will not only add a touch of gold to your holiday spread but also fill your home with an unforgettable aroma that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Happy holidays from our kitchen to yours! Contact our Customer Service Department for more information on our Saffron products.