Easter Bread

Step 1: In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in the water. Stir in two cups of the milk and then sift in 2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth and elastic. Let rise for 45 minutes or until light and spongy.

Step 2: Beat the egg yolks and sugar together and add to the mixture, mixing in well.

Step 3: Stir in the salt, cardamom, orange peel, lemon peel, raisins, and almonds (we usually skip the nuts). Beat in the remaining milk (1 cup) and the butter. Add the remaining flour until a stiff dough is formed.

Step 4: Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, turn to grease top and bottom, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1 hour).

Step 5: Grease 3 baking dishes or coffee cans and dust with sugar. Fill these only half full and let rise in a warm place until dough is even with top of pan (it will rise fast).

Step 6: Bake in a 350 degree oven for 60 minutes or until golden brown. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Let the loaves cool in the pans.

Step 7: After the bread is removed from the pans they may with decorated with the frosting if desired.

Step 8: To make the frosting combine the frosting ingredients and drizzle on top and sides of the loaves.