Bohemian Braid

Ingredients

Directions

Mix together the water, yeast, milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening, half the flour, the lemon rind, mace, raisins, and almonds. Add flour until dough is smooth and workable. Knead on a floured board until smooth and elastic. Put in a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover with a damp tea towel and place in a warm spot to rise until double, about 1 1/2 hours.

Punch dough down. Divide in half. Set one half aside and divide the other into 4 equal parts. Shape three of the pieces into 14 inch long strands and braid on a lightly greased cookie sheet (you may want to arrange this diagonally. These get big!). Fasten ends together and tuck under. Take fourth piece and divide in thirds and make a second smaller braid to go on top of the first. Repeat with other half of dough on a second greased cookie sheet. Cover each braid loosely with damp tea towels and let rise for 45 minutes to an hour.

For decoration, gently press halved maraschino cherries (well rinsed) and/or pecan halves into joints of braids. Brush loaves with a glaze made from egg yolk and 1 tb water, and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown, but not dark.

When loaves have cooled completely, mix a confectioner's sugar glaze of four tb butter, about 1/3-1/2 c milk, and confectioner's sugar until the consistency is thick but will still run down the sides, and drizzle glaze over the tops of the loaves.

Reviews

I spotted this recipe in my mom's old Betty Crocker cookbook when I was about 15 years old. I was in Home Ec at the time and this looked spectacular so I made it that Christmas to "show off." It became an instant family Christmas tradition. This beautiful bread looks like it came right out of a picture in a cookbook, even when made by a novice. You'll always get ohhs and ahhs when unveiling it. Perfect as a home-baked gift too. over 7 years ago

Iam half Bohemian and raised on Bohemian Foods. I think that this bread is delicous! over 8 years ago

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Nutrition Facts

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.