Czech Christmas Bread - Vánocka

This recipe for Czech Christmas bread or Vánocka (vah-NAWTCH-kah) is similar to houska, chalka, challah and other Eastern European egg twist breads. Traditionally, this loaf is made of three braids of decreasing size placed one on top of the other, but a simple three-strand braid is also quite common.

It is only baked at Christmas time. It is rich in eggs and butter, making it similar to brioche. Lemon rind and nutmeg add color and flavor, while the dough can also contain raisins and almonds, and is braided like challah.

Some variations of vánocka call for dried apricots and raisins to be soaked overnight in brandy or rum, and additions of citron and anise seed. This is classed as a leavened bread and is specific to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Eastern Europeans believe in gracious hospitality and a "meal before the meal" is often a given in most homes. Vánocka is a breakfast bread and as such, bread is indispensable to Eastern Europeans in general. It is served at just about every meal.

Paladian has been making this special bread every Christmas for about 42 years, and my blip today is her magnificent effort that came out of the oven moments ago! Seen ever more delicious in LARGE.
BTW we are not Czech!