Paasiaisleipa (Finnish Easter Bread) Recipe

In large bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom and salt. Heat milk, water, and butter until very warm (120º to 130ºF). Gradually add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat at high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in enough additional flour to make soft dough.

Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. (For Rapid Rise Yeast, cover kneaded dough; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes. Proceed with recipe.)

Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Knead in dates and almonds. Divide dough in half; shape into 2 balls. Place in 2 greased 8-inch round cake pans. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 minutes, or until done. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks. Top with confectioners' sugar frosting, if desired.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 334 Calories; 10g Fat (25.6% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 55g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 40mg Cholesterol; 140mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat