Russian Holiday Bread

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, milk, sugar, butter, salt, lemon zest, cardamom and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Beat in the almonds, citron, orange peel, cherries and raisins. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch dough down. Shape into two loaves. Place in two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
• Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.