Shortcut Christmas Stollen

Shortcut Christmas Stollen 1 - loaf Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough, thawed but still cold 1 1/2 cups - rum soaked raisins, cherries, and cranberries 1 cup of rum to soak dried fruit 1/2 - cup candied orange, lemon rinds and candied pineapple (optional) 1/2 cup - slivered or sliced almonds 1/2 - teaspoon lemon extract 1/2 - cup sugar 2 - tablespoons melted butter 3/4 - cup powdered sugar To start soak the raisins, cherries and cranberries in one cup rum for at least 24 hours before preparing the bread. Combine the sugar and lemon extract in a small bowl, mix together and set aside. To prepare the bread, thaw one loaf of Rhodes bread on a baking sheet until thawed but still cold. Spray non-stick baking spray on the counter and roll the dough into a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. If the dough stretches back let the dough rest about 5 minutes in between rollings until size is reached. Sprinkle the sugar and lemon mixture evenly over the dough. Drain the rum soaked fruit and sprinkle evenly over the top of the sugar mixture. Sprinkle on the candied fruit as well if using. Gather the dough together and form into a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter top or board and knead in the fruit and slivered almonds. I used my kitchen aid mixer using the paddle attachment and added some flour and blended the dough together. Return the dough to the floured surface and roll out to a thick rectangle. Fold the sides in and seal the dough. Using your hand form an indention in the dough down the middle and then form the Stollen into a half moon shape. Place the Stollen on a greased baking sheet and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 45 min-1 hour). Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Bake the bread for 35 - 45 minutes or until the bread is golden and done. Cover with foil if it begins to brown too much. Remove from oven and brush warm loaf with melted butter and dust thickly with powdered sugar. Note: If the bread is made a few days or even a week in advance of serving the flavors have time to mend together and the bread softens. Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.