Holiday Ribbon Loaf

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup red or green candied cherries, halved, option
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil and 1-1/2-inch-wide ribbon

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside. In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar and salt. Add milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons butter and yeast mixture. Beat on low speed until mixed; beat on medium for 3 minutes. Stir in raisins, cherries if desired and enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours. Punch dough down; let rest 10 minutes. Shape into an 8x5-in. rectangle. Fold foil into a 20x1-1/2-in. strip and a 15x1-1/2-in. strip. Grease strips; place on a greased
3. in the shape of a cross. Center dough over strips. Melt remaining butter and brush over dough. Wrap strips loosely around dough, overlapping edges 1 in. and securing with a paper clip. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 350u0b0 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Remove foil strips and replace with ribbon; tie ribbon into a bow.

active dry yeast, warm water, allpurpose flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, butter, raisins, red, aluminum foil

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday-ribbon-loaf/ (may not work)