Holiday Braid

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110u0b0 to 115u0b0)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup chopped red and green candied cherries
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Additional candied cherries, optional

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in milk. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, lemon zest and cardamom. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add yeast mixture and whole egg; mix well. Stir in cherries, raisins and pecans.
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 for 1 hour (dough will not double in size).
3. Punch dough down; divide into four pieces. Roll three pieces into 15-in. ropes. Braid ropes; place on a greased
4. . Divide last portion of dough in half; roll each into a 15-in. rope. Twist ropes. Press an indentation down the center of braided loaf; place twisted dough in indentation. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over loaf. Bake at 350u0b0 for 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil; bake 20-25 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack. Combine sugar and milk; drizzle over loaf. Decorate with cherries if desired.

active dry yeast, warm milk, allpurpose, sugar, salt, lemon zest, ground cardamom, butter, egg, red and, raisins, pecans, water, sugar, milk, candied cherries

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