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If you want to give a friend a special holiday gift, put a bright ribbon around this bread.
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When tightly wrapped, it freezes well for 1 to 2 months.
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PREHEAT OVEN TO 350F (180C).
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Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water.
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Beat 1/2 cup butter in food processor until light.
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Gradually add remainder of sugar as you beat butter.
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Add lemon and orange peels, mace, coriander and salt.
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Add yeast mixture.
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Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and then milk.
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Add enough flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to make soft dough.
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Knead dough until elastic and smooth.
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Place dough in oiled plastic bag or oiled bowl and turn to coat.
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Seal or cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour.
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Turn out dough on floured surface, punch down and cut into 2 pieces.
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Shape each into rectangular loaf and place on greased baking sheet.
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Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter and use to lightly brush tops of loaves.
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TO PRESENT AS A GIFT:
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Make paper ribbon strips the width of your gift ribbons and tie the bread loosely with the paper strips; secure with paper clips, leaving enough room for the breads to rise.
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The paper will leave marks for the position of the gift ribbons.
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Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 30-to-40 minutes.
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Bake loaves about 30-to-45 minutes.
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Remove and place on a rack to cool.
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Remove the paper strips.
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Replace strips with bright ribbons.
