Mardi Gras King Cake

Directions

Dissolve yeast in warm water.

Add milk and about ½ cup of flour.

In a large bowl, blend butter, sugar, salt and eggs.

Add yeast dough and mix thoroughly.

Gradually, add 2½ cups flour to make a medium dough.

Place in a greased bowl and brush with melted butter.

Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise until double in volume, about 3 hours.

Use 1 cup or more flour to knead dough and roll into a 4 to 5 foot long rope.

Form into a oval on a 14 x 17 inch greased cookie sheet, connecting ends of the rope with a few drops of water.

Press the doll (or bean) into the dough from underneath.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double in volume, about 1 hour.

Bake at 325℉ (160℃) for 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned.

Brush top of cake with corn syrup and sprinkle with alternating bands of colored sugar.

Cake freezes well.