FRUIT FILLED BRAID FOR CHRISTMAS

FRUIT FILLED BRAID FOR CHRISTMAS (Newspaper clipping)
(Bohemian)

DOUGH
2 pkg granular yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 c lukewarm water
1 c scalded milk
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 c shortening
2 eggs
4 c sifted all purpose flour (divided)
1 c light sultana raisins or chopped dates
1/2 tsp mace OR nutmeg
1 tsp grated lemon rind

TOPPING

1 c unsifted icing sugar
5 tsp warm water
2 tsp lemon juice
8 red maraschino cherries, halved
8 green maraschino cherries, halved
About 24 whole medium pecans or equivalent in sliced almonds

To make dough, into large mixing dough put yeast, sugar (first amount) and lukewarm water and let soak 10 minutes. To scalded milk add sugar (second amount), salt and shortening, and cool to lukewarm. Add to risen yeast liquid along with eggs and 3-1/2 cups of the flour and beat 100 times.

Scrape down sides of bowl, cover and let rise in warm place till doubled (about 1-3/4 hours). Punch down dough and let rise a second time until doubled.

Sprinkle kneading board with remaining flour, turn risen dough out on it, cover with raisins or date, mace and lemon rind and knead until all are evenly distributed through dough. If you nee more flour to prevent sticking, sprinkle it on the board.

To shape braid cut dough into two pieces: one piece should be two-thirds of the dough, the other one-third. Cut the larger piece evenly into three and shape each into 18" long strips rolling them under your palms. Place about 1" apart on cookie sheet and braid loosely, broadening braid at centre and pinching ends together. Repeat making a shorter braid to place on top of first braid. Glaze by brushing with mixture of 2 tbsp each of water and sugar. Let rise in warm place until doubled and puffy. Bake at 350' about 50 minutes - until it has a deep golden crust.

While warm drizzle with icing made of mixture of icing sugar, water and lemon juice, then decorate artistically with halved cherries and whole pecans or sliced almonds. This should be served warm and reheats satisfactorily at 275' wrapped in foil in about 20 to 25 minutes.