Indulge in the rich flavors and fluffy texture of traditional Italian Panettone. This festive treat, studded with candied fruits and raisins, is a staple of Italian Christmas celebrations. Serve it with a warm beverage for a truly delightful experience!

Here's a recipe for Italian Panettone:

Ingredients:

 - 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)

 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

 - 1/2 cup sugar

 - 4 large eggs

 - 2 large egg yolks

 - 1/2 cup milk

 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

 - 1 tablespoon honey

 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

 - 1/2 cup candied orange peel, chopped

 - 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, chopped

 - 1/2 cup golden raisins

 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries

 - 1/4 cup almonds, chopped

Instructions:

1- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.

2- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and honey.

3- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

4- Gradually add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.

5- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

6- Add the softened butter to the dough, mixing until the butter is fully incorporated.

7- Stir in the candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, golden raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds.

8- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

9- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

10- Punch down the dough and shape it into a ball. Place the dough in a panettone mold or a round cake pan lined with parchment paper.

11- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

12- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the panettone for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

13- Let the panettone cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Panettone!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Panettone recipe:

Warm Water (1/2 cup, 110°F):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Hydrates the yeast, essential for activating it and creating the dough’s structure.

Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons):

  - Calories: 21

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 3 g

Benefits: Helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide; a source of B vitamins and protein.

Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 384

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 100 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness; should be used in moderation due to high sugar content.

Large Eggs (4):

  - Calories: 280

  - Fat: 20 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 24 g

Benefits: High-quality protein, supports muscle repair and growth, provides vitamins A, D, E, and B12.

Large Egg Yolks (2):

  - Calories: 110

  - Fat: 9 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 6 g

Benefits: Provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and additional protein and fat.

Milk (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 60

  - Fat: 3 g

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein: 3 g

Benefits: Source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein; supports bone health and muscle function.

Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 12

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, contains small amounts of antioxidants.

Honey (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 64

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 17 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds natural sweetness, contains antioxidants and trace minerals.

All-Purpose Flour (3 1/2 cups):

  - Calories: 1,565

  - Fat: 4 g

  - Carbohydrates: 350 g

  - Protein: 21 g

Benefits: Provides energy, essential for the structure of baked goods, and a source of dietary fiber and B vitamins.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, regulates hydration.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened):

  - Calories: 204

  - Fat: 23 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness; source of fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.

Candied Orange Peel (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 150

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 38 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and citrus flavor; provides some vitamins and minerals.

Candied Lemon Peel (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 150

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 38 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and citrus flavor; provides some vitamins and minerals.

Golden Raisins (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 217

  - Fat: 0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates: 58 g

  - Protein: 1 g

Benefits: Provides natural sweetness, vitamins, and minerals.

Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 200

  - Fat: 0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates: 54 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds natural sweetness and flavor; contains antioxidants and vitamin C.

Chopped Almonds (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 170

  - Fat: 15 g

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein: 6 g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E; supports heart health.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients.