Houska Christmas Bread

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   Dissolve

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   yeast

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   in lukewarm water.

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   Scald milk and add butter,

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   sugar

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   and

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   salt.

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   Cool

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   to

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    lukewarm.

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    Add

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    to yeast mixture and well beaten eggs, 3 cups flour, raisins, cherries, almonds

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    and

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    pecans.

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    Mix

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    well.

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    Add about 2 1/2 cups flour. Place

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    on

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    lightly

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    floured

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    surface

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    and knead until dough is smooth.

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    Place

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    in a warm bowl.

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    Cover with towel and let rise for about

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    1

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    1/2

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    hours.

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    Punch

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    down

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    dough and turn out on floured surface.

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    Divide dough in half.

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    Divide one half into 3

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    equal parts.

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    Roll each piece into a strip about 15 inches long.

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    Braid and

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    place on a baking sheet.

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    Divide 2/3 of the remaining

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    dough into 3 equal parts and prepare braid like the first.

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    Place

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    on top of first braid.

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    Make a third braid from remaining

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    dough

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    and place

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    on top of second (center) braid. Brush with butter.

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    Let rise until double in bulk.

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    Beat 1 egg white

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    and

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    1

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    tablespoon water; brush loaf.

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    Bake at 350u00b0 for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until done.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.