Spiral Bread
by Muertos

Candlemas / Imbolc is a time of (re)dedication to the Gods for many
folks and a time to get ready for another spiral. The following
recipe is for Spiral Bread to be used at Imbolc --- it makes 2
loaves. One is used for ritual and the other is put on the main
shrine as an offering.

Ingredients
for bread:
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. Grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp salt
1 package yeast
3 1/2 - 4 cups flour
1 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
1 egg
1 egg yolk, beaten
Ingredients for poppy seed filling:
12 0z can poppy-seed filling
1/2 c. finely chopped walnuts
1 T. grated lemon peel
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon

In bowl combine the ingredients for the filling, set aside. In small
bowl beat at high speed 1 egg white until soft peaks form; fold into
poppy-seed mixture. Combine sugar, peel, salt, yeast and 1c. flour in
bowl. Set aside. Heat milk and butter until very warm (butter does
not need to melt). Beat liquid into dry - at low speed just until
mixed. Increase speed to medium: beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl. Stir
in with spoon enough flour to make soft dough - about 1 1/2 c. On
lightly floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic - about
5 minutes. Shape into ball; place in large greased bowl;
turn to grease top. Cover; let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Punch down dough. On lightly floured surface; cut in half; cover; let
rest 15 minutes - finish making filling. Grease 2 cookie sheets. With
lightly floured rolling pin, roll one dough half into 18" x12"
rectangle. Spread half filling on dough, to within 1/2" of sides.
From 18-inch edge, tightly roll dough, jelly-roll fashion; pinch ends
to seal. Arrange dough in flat coil, seam side down, on one cookie
sheet. Repeat with other half of dough. Cover with towel; let rise
until doubled (1 1/2 - 2 hours). Oven 350*. Brush loaves with egg
yolk. Bake 25-30 minutes until loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Remove to wire racks.