2 tbsp. dry yeast
1/2 c. water
1 tsp. sugar
8 c. flour
1/2 lb. butter
1/4 tsp. mace
Grated rind of 1/2 lemon
1 egg
2 egg yolks
1 c. sugar
1 pt. milk
1/2 c. almonds, mixed with a little flour
1 c. raisins
Egg white
Poppy seed

Soak yeast in water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Place flour in large mixing bowl and work in butter, mace, lemon rind, eggs, sugar, milk, and soaked yeast. Add almonds and raisins. Form a soft dough and knead until smooth. Let rise. When rise, cut dough in half. Then cut each portion into 9 pieces (4 large pieces, 3 smaller pieces, and 2 small pieces). Braid the first 4 pieces. Braid the 3 pieces. Twist the 2 pieces. Stack. Brush with egg white. Let rise and sprinkle with poppy seed. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.