Houska Christmas Bread
["2 pkg. dry yeast", "1 c. milk", "1/4 c. seedless white raisins", "1 c. quartered candied cherries", "1/2 c. chopped almonds", "1/2 c. chopped pecans", "1/2 c. lukewarm water", "1/2 c. butter", "3/4 c. sugar", "2 eggs, beaten", "1 tsp. salt", "5 1/2 c. flour"]
["Dissolve", "yeast", "in lukewarm water.", "Scald milk and add butter,", "sugar", "and", "salt.", "Cool", "to", "lukewarm.", "Add", "to yeast mixture and well beaten eggs, 3 cups flour, raisins, cherries, almonds", "and", "pecans.", "Mix", "well.", "Add about 2 1/2 cups flour. Place", "on", "lightly", "floured", "surface", "and knead until dough is smooth.", "Place", "in a warm bowl.", "Cover with towel and let rise for about", "1", "1/2", "hours.", "Punch", "down", "dough and turn out on floured surface.", "Divide dough in half.", "Divide one half into 3", "equal parts.", "Roll each piece into a strip about 15 inches long.", "Braid and", "place on a baking sheet.", "Divide 2/3 of the remaining", "dough into 3 equal parts and prepare braid like the first.", "Place", "on top of first braid.", "Make a third braid from remaining", "dough", "and place", "on top of second (center) braid. Brush with butter.", "Let rise until double in bulk.", "Beat 1 egg white", "and", "1", "tablespoon water; brush loaf.", "Bake at 350\u00b0 for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until done."]
["yeast", "milk", "white raisins", "candied cherries", "almonds", "pecans", "water", "butter", "sugar", "eggs", "salt", "flour"]