Stollen

[muskox]

Want to make Stollen and keep it for Christmas. Can I freeze it once cooked, or freeze the dough once risen, or must it be a last minute thing to make?

[EcclesCake]

You can cook it and keep it for 3 days or so or you can cook and then freeze.

[diddlydo]

Why not just buy t from Lidl or Aldi or M&S or Waitrose if you're in the money?

[murraymints]

£2.99 in aldi....is it really worth all the effort ?

[EcclesCake]

I know I could have bought a Christmas cake in the supermarket but prefer to make my own. Not a huge amount of effort and making a stollen isn't particularly arduous.

I'd rather encourage people to cook than send them to the shops. The ability to cook and bake are dying arts and should be encouraged in my book.

[sherrardk]

There is something satisfying about making your own stuff but I pick and choose what I consider worth it.

[boxtops]

I admire your intention, but they are selling excellent stollen in Aldi at the moment - I wouldn't make one while I can buy one of theirs.

[EcclesCake]

Ironically I don't like stollen, Christmas cake or mince pies but always make from scratch rather than buying in. I'm a daft bat!

[sherrardk]

Ps - I rarely choose to make my own but somethings are so expensive for what they are. 74p for Chelsea bun from a cake shop today (it was nice though), but if you want them for 7 it starts to mount up (and I can actually make Chelsea buns).

[EcclesCake]

There is little more satisfying than unravelling a freshly baked Chelsea bun......

[diddlydo]

Normally I'm an "all from scratch" person but there are limits!

[muskox]

Have tried Lidl and Aldi Stollen and they are not to my taste. The M & S one is nicer, but much more expensive. I have just returned from Germany and find their stolen a little dry - a bit like panetonne. I will try using Paul Hollywood's recipe, but adding brandy and more marzipan to make it moister. I think it is much nicer making your own, although maybe not cheaper. I have only got dried yeast, so I hope that will suffice. Whatever I make will be treated with much appreciation. Will try freezing it, as suggested, so that there is no last minute Christmas rush.

[RATTER15]

We always get the Lidl marzipan stollen, it is the best.