Special Occasion Bread

On Christmas morning, I look forward to this as much as the presents!

ingredients

1 pkg. dry yeast
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts
1 pkg. chopped dates
1/2 c. water
3 egg yolks
4 c. flour
1 c. shortening

directions

Soften yeast in warm water, stir in sugar. Stirin egg yolks gently and add milk. Sift flour and salt together. Cut in shortening until coarse crumbs. Stir in yeast and egg yolk mixture; mix well. Form into ball; cover and chill overnight. Divide into three parts. Roll each to 8x15 inch rectangles. Mix 3/4 cup sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon into 3 stiff egg whites. Spread 1/3 of egg white, 1/3 dates, and 1/3 nuts on each. Make jelly roll and put on greased cookie sheet; form crescent roll. Raise double, 45 to 50 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Make butter frosting for top.