To make the dough: Combine all the ingredients and mix and knead to make a smooth, supple dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until it has just about doubled, 60 to 90 minutes.
To make the filling: While the dough is
rising, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, and both types of
cranberries in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken to a jam-like consistency, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the melted butter, orange oil or grated rind, and spice.
Transfer the cranberry mixture to a heat-safe bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
To shape the loaf: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased work surface, and roll it into a 12" x 14" rectangle. Spread the cranberry filling over the surface of the dough,
leaving a 1/2" border along the edge of one of the short sides. Sprinkle
Orange Jammy Bits evenly over the filling.
Starting with the filling-covered short edge, roll the dough up jelly-roll style, sealing the edge.
Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling. Place each half side by side, filled sides up.
Keeping the filled sides up, twist or braid the two logs together, working from the center to each end.
Pinch the ends together, and place the twisted log in a lightly greased 9" x 5" loaf pan.
Cover the loaf and allow it to rise for 45 to 60 minutes,
until it's crowned 1/2" to 1" over the rim of the pan. Towards the end
of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.
The shaped loaf waiting for the final rise.
Bake the babka for 45 to 50 minutes, tenting it with aluminum
foil about halfway through baking to prevent over-browning. The top of
the finished loaf will be golden brown, and a digital thermometer
inserted into the center of the loaf will read 190°F or above.
Remove the loaf from the oven. For a softer crust, brush the
top of the loaf with melted butter, if desired. After 10 minutes, remove
the babka from the pan and transfer it to a rack to cool completely.
The cooling loaf
