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1
In a large bowl whisk together yeast, JUST 1/2 cup of the sugar, milk, JUST 3 cups of the flour & salt, combining until smooth, then cover & let stand for 1 hour.
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2
After the 1 hour, add the 4 ounces of melted butter, eggs, another 1/2 cup of sugar & the remaining flour, & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes.
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3
Add chopped fruits, raisins & nuts & knead until well incorporated, then cover & let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
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4
In a small container, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon & set aside, then grease two large loaf pans.
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5
Divide dough in half &, on a lightly floured surface, roll each half, one at a time, into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches.
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6
Spread each half with melted butter & the sugar/cinnamon mixture, then roll the dough up lengthwise & tuck in the ends before placing them in the prepared loaf pans.
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7
Cover pans with greased plastic wrap & let rise until doubled.
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8
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F & bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F & bake 50 minutes longer.
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9
Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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10
If desired, the loaves can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a vanilla icing.
