Bolo-Rei Bread

A Portuguese yeast bread that is traditionally served to celebrate Epiphany. The dough, prepared with white bread flour or all-purpose flour, is enriched with butter and eggs, flavored with raisins, pine nuts, and orange and lemon zest, and topped with candied fruits, sugar, and citrus zest. It is formed into a large ring shape and baked until golden. It is the custom to insert a dried bean and a small coin or gift into the dough before baking. Whoever receives the slice of bread containing the bean is the person designated to make the bread the following year. A similar recipe known as “Twelfth Night Bread” is the Spanish version of the bread.