This holiday sweet bread is great for gifting, or for sharing at a festive breakfast or brunch. Its subtle orange flavor; soft, tender crumb, and surprise sweet fruit and nut filling are sure to please gift recipients and guests alike.
To make the starter: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine the starter ingredients, cover, and leave at room temperature overnight.
To make the dough: Mix the starter with the dough ingredients, kneading until elastic and satiny. Let the dough rise in a greased, covered bowl for 1 to 2 hours, until puffy.
Divide the dough into three pieces. Flatten each piece into a 6" x 12" rectangle.
Mix the filling ingredients together, and spread each rectangle with some of the filling.
Starting with a long edge, roll each rectangle into a log. Braid the logs together.
Cover the braid, and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours, until puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Combine the egg white with 1 tablespoon water, and brush onto the braid. Sprinkle with pearl or sparkling sugar.
Bake the braid for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown; a digital thermometer inserted into the center should register 190°F.
Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a rack to cool.
Yield: one 12" to 14" loaf.
