Created by Echo Echo on November 4, 2014
Step 1: Combine the yeast dissolved in water with milk, sugar and salt.
Step 2: Add in butter, eggs, saffron, raisins, vanilla, grated rind and flour to form dough..
Step 3: Turn out on a floured board and knead until elastic and smooth. (Alternatively, kneading may be done with an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook.)
Step 4: Let dough rise until doubled in size (2-2 1/2 hours).
Step 5: Punch down and knead briefly; divide in half
Step 6: Shape each half into braids by rolling dough 3/4" thick, then cutting into 8" strips and shaping these into rounded strands.
Step 7: Braid strands.
Step 8: Decorate with raisins and brush with egg.
Step 9: Bake at 350° 25-30 minutes.
Step 10: Cover and cool on rack.