Fruited Ricotta Bread

Why I Love This Recipe
Nice at Christmas time and delicious! You can also experiment with other dried fruits.
Ingredients You'll Need
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2/3 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. chopped candied fruit
2 Tbsp. golden raisins
1 Tbsp. chopped almonds
1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 375º F. Grease and flour cookie sheet.
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and stir in ricotta, eggs, vanilla, sugar, candied fruit, raisins, almonds, and lemon peel. Knead lightly until dough holds together.
Shape into 12-inch-long loaf and place on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Transfer to wire rack. Brush butter over warm loaf; sift confectioners’ sugar over top. Cool completely.
Yield: 12 servings