Babka

Babka is a slightly sweet yeast bread similar to Italian panettone that can be made with rum-soaked raisins, and iced or left plain.

Yield: 12 Servings

1/2 c Milk; scalded
1/3 c Shortening
1 ts Salt
1/4 c Sugar
1 pk Yeast
1/4 c Warm water
2 Eggs; beaten
1/2 ts Grated lemon peel
2 1/4 c Flour
1 c Raisins
1/4 c Chopped almonds

• Add shortening, salt and sugar to milk; stir until shortening is melted and sugar is dissolved; set aside until lukewarm.
• Dissolve yeast in water; add to milk mixture. Stir in eggs and lemon peel. Add flour; beat until smooth. Cover and let rise 6 hours.
• Punch down dough. Add raisins. Knead until smooth and elastic.
• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Grease a brioche pan generously; sprinkle bottom with almonds. Pour dough in; let rise, uncovered, 20 minutes. Bake 20 minutes; remove from pan immediately and let cool on wire rack.