Classic Christmas Italian Panettone

For the Fruit:

• 10 ounces mixed dried fruits (currants, raisins, cranberries, dried cherries)
• 4 ounces candied lemon and orange peel, finely chopped
• 2 ounces glace or candied cherries, quartered
• 6 tablespoons Cointreau or your favorite liqueur or fruit juice

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons fast-action dry yeast
• 6 ounces milk, divided
• 1.75 ounces (or 1/4 cup) fine sugar
• 18 ounces (or 4 cups) strong bread flour
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 6 large free-range eggs, divided
• 10 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature, divided
• 1 ounce blanched whole almonds

Steps to Make It

Prepare the Fruit