English Christmas Bread

From an
1897
cook book
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A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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To about 4 1/2 quarts of Flour,
add 2 Tbsp. of Lard,
1 handful of Salt,
1 c. of Brown Sugar.
Set on the back of the stove to warm.
Boil 4 medium-sized Potatoes,
strain and when lukewarm add 5 Yeast Cakes,
1/2 c. of Sugar,
enough Flour to make a Sponge.
While the Sponge is rising,
add to the Flour
2 lbs. of Raisins,
1 1/2 lbs. of large Raisins,
1/4 lb. of Candied Citron,
2 tsp. each of
Allspice,
Cinnamon,
and Mace,
1 tsp. of Cloves,
1 handful of Caraway seeds.
When the Sponge is ready,
add to the whole,
use enough lukewarm Water to make
about the same as White Bread,
adding 1/2 c. of Syrup to the Water.
Let rise over night,
put in tins,
let rise again,
then bake in a slow oven.
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