Instructions
11/4 cups milk
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package yeast
2 eggs, lightly beaten
41/2 cups flour
11/2 cups seedless raisins
1 egg
Poppy seeds, to garnish
Scald milk and combine with shortening, sugar and salt. Cool to lukewarm. Soften yeast in this mixture. Add 2 eggs, flour and raisins. Knead lightly until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover and let rise until double in size. Divide dough into 2 parts, and let rest 10 minutes. Shape one part into a long loaf. Roll the other part lengthwise and cut into 3 strips. Braid the 3 strips and place on top of the loaf, securing the ends. Place on greased baking sheet. Beat 1 egg well and spread over loaf. Top with poppy seeds. Let rise until double in size. Bake at 370 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack.
