Recipe(tried): Vanocka (Czech Christmas Bread)

VANOCKA - CZECH CHRISTMAS BREAD
Makes 4 nice golden brown loaves.

This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation since my great grandmother came from Czechoslavkia as a mail order bride. This recipe is posted in their memory for they were wonderful ladies that had a great talent in food preparation.

Mix together:
2 Tbsp. dry yeast
1/4 cup lukewarm water.
Add:
1 tsp. sugar and let stand.

Mix together:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
Add to butter mixture:
2 cups scalded milk (120 degrees F)
Mix along with:
4 cups flour which has been sifted with:
1 tsp. salt and
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Add the yeast mixture and mix well.

Add:
1 cup yellow or brown raisins
1/2 cup cut up almonds (slivered almonds work well)
1/2 cup candied fruit or cut up gumdrops
Mix well till the dough is smooth.

Add:
3 to 4 more cups of sifted flour.
Mix well. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

Divide dough into fourths. Divide a fourth into 3 rolls about 8-9 inches long. Braid and put into regular greased bread loaf pan. Continue to do the same with the other 3 fourths. Put each into their own loaf pan. Brush with beaten egg. Let rise about 1 hour.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes.

Delicious freshly baked. Can be frozen.

VERSION 2 OF DOUGH PREPARATION:
Mix dough as above, letting rise 1 hr. Divide dough in half. Using half of the dough divide into 3 rolls about 18 inches long each; braide. The the other half and divide 2/3 for 3 more rolls; braid. Brush with melted butter. Put on top of the first braid. Brush with this braid with melted butter. Then take the 1/3 and make into 3 rolls and braid. Put on top of the other 2 and butter once again. At last brush with beaten egg, brushing entire roll. Let rise 1 hr. Bake in a moderate oven of 350 degrees for 1 hr. Can be dusted with powdered sugar, frosted, or left plain.