Vanocka (Christmas Braid)

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. Cream sugar and butter.
3. Add beaten egg and salt.
4. Stir in cooled milk and yeast.
5. Add 2 cups flour.
6. Beat until smooth.
7. Let rise about 1/2 hour.
8. Add nuts, and fruit, and mix well.
9. Add rest of flour to make a soft dough.
10. Knead until smooth.
11. Place in bowl and let rise until double in bulk.
12. Divide dough into 5 elongated strips.
13. Braid 3 strips and place on greased pan.
14. Twist the remaining 2 strips and place on the top of the braid.
15. Pinch the ends together.
16. Brush with beaten egg and water.
17. Let rise 45 minutes.
18. Bake 45 minutes in 350f oven.
19. May be iced with confectioners' sugar icing.