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1
Heat the milk to lukewarm; add melted butter, sugar and salt.
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2
Stir to combine and let cool to about 110u00b0F
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3
Add yeast and warm water in mixing bowl and stir until dissolved.
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4
Add lukewarm milk mixture and 2 eggs and stir to combine.
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5
Add 3 cups flour and beat until smooth.
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6
Add the raisins and remaining flour and mix, 3 to 5 minutes until smooth. (Dough will be sticky)
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7
Place dough in greased bowl.
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8
Turn over and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until double, about 1 hour.
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9
Punch down dough and turn out onto lightly floured board.
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10
If making 1 large loaf, divide dough into 3 equal pieces.
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11
Roll each piece into a strip about 14 inches long, and braid together the 3 strips on a parchment-lined baking pan. (Note: If making 2 loaves, divide dough into 2 equal pieces and then divide each half into 3 equal pieces, for a total of 6 pieces.)
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12
Loosely cover bread and let rise again until double, about 30 minutes.
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13
While bread is rising, preheat oven to 350u00b0F.
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14
Brush remaining beaten egg lightly on bread.
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15
Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
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16
Let cool completely before serving.
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17
Store, covered, at room temperature or slice and freeze.
