Vánočka

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Vánočka is a traditional Czech bread, baked at Christmastime. It is rich in eggs and butter, making it similar to brioche. Lemon rind and nutmeg add color and flavor; the dough also contains raisins and almonds, and is braided like challah. A vánočka may be built from three progressively smaller braids, stacked on top of each other; this is sometimes interpreted as a rough sculpture of the child Jesus wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.

It has a reputation for being difficult to prepare, so in many households, supersitions and special customs are attached to the baking process.