12 eggs in shell
food coloring (I use various colors)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. shortening (Crisco)
grated peel of 2 lemons
2 pkg. dry yeast (or equivalent)
1/2 cup warm water
2 eggs, at room temperature
4 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, divided
1 egg, beaten

Wash 12 eggs; tint shells with food coloring. Set aside.

Scald milk; add sugar, salt, shortening and lemon peel. Cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast on warm water; stir to dissolve. Add to milk mixture with the 2 eggs and 2 1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough flour to make stiff dough. Turn onto a lightly floured board. Knead until smooth. Place in a lightly greased bowl. Grease top and cover bowl. Let rise about 1 hour in a warm place; punch down and let rise until double or about 30 minutes.

Make 2 large braided rings or 12 small ones. Make 4 ropes; twist until 36-inches long. Braid 2 at a time loosely; insert 6 eggs.

Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Submitted by: Lisa Wright