Babka ....Polish Sweet Bread

Pour the scalded milk over butter, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside and cool to lukewarm.

Sprinkle the yeast over warm water. Let stand 5-10 minutes. Add about 3/4 cup flour to milk mixture and beat vigorously until smooth. Stir the yeast and add to the batter, mixing well. Add about 1/2 the remaining flour and beat until smooth.

Beat the extract with the eggs and lemon peel and mix into the batter. Blend in the raisins and almonds. Beat in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Kneed until smooth. Form dough into a ball and put into a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled.

Punch dough down, pull edges into center, and turn dough completely over in bowl. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled.

Turn dough onto floured surface and divide into nine equal portions. Roll each portion into a 15" rope shaped piece. Braid four pieces together; Join the ends and plae on greased baking sheet. Braid three of the remaining pieces together; jin ends and place on top of the first braid. Twist remaining pieces together and lay on top of 2nd braid.(1 large braid)

For 2 smaller braids, roll 10 ropes. Braid three pieces for first layer and two pieces together for top.

Brush with beaten egg and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Bake @ 350 for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.