Stollen is an old recipe--rumor has it that it's been alive and kicking since the 1300s. Seriously! While original loaves are said to have weighed a hefty 30 pounds, things have lightened up a bit since then.
This is a rich, yeast-raised and milk-and egg enriched dough which is dotted with dried fruit. Some recipes have you using gross candied fruit (I think it's gross anyway) but I used my homemade dried cranberries and some turkish apricots. It is worth tasting this tradition.