Houska Bread

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk
• 8 cups + 2 Tbsp four
• 2/3 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 pkg dry yeast
• 4 eggs 
• 1 rind of lemon
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup golden raisins or candied fruit
• 1/4 cup  slivered almond
• drizzle of vegetable oil
• AN margarine to grease cookie sheets

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Scald 2 cups milk with 2/3 cups sugar, 1/2 cup butter and 1 Tbsp salt. Let cool.

STEP 2

Add 1 package dry yeast about 1 tsp into 1/2 cup warm (not hot) water, set aside to soften.

STEP 3

In a bowl, beat 3 egg, add the milk mixture from step 1. Add about 3 cups of flour, the yeast mixture, rind of lemon, and some golden raisins and/or candied fruits. Mix.

STEP 4

Add rest of flour (reserve 2 Tbsp of flour for the kneading surface). Knead on floured surface. Form a ball and put into a large bowl which has been oiled. Turn dough so top is oiled. Let rise until doubled in bulk.

STEP 5

Knead again and cut dough in half. Cut each half in half again.

STEP 6

Cut each quarter into thirds and roll out each of the thirds into long pieces. Loosely braid the 3 rolled out pieces. Pinch ends together and put on the greased cookie sheet. Braid the other 3 and put on top of the first braid. Repeat this process to form a second loaf with remaining dough on the other greased cookie sheet.

STEP 7

Cover gently and let rise again till light. When light, brush with egg yolk mixed with little bit of water.

STEP 8

Bake at 350°  F for about 45 minutes or until done.

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