BREAD RECIPE:

6 c. bread flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 c. starter (recipe below)
1/2 c. corn oil
1 1/2 c. warm water

FILLING:

Cinnamon
1/4 c. raisins
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. pecans, chopped

GLAZE:

1/2 box powdered sugar mixed with milk (to desired consistency)

Mix all of the above bread ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well blended and shape into a ball. Pour small amount of oil in palm of hand. Spread over ball so it is greased on all sides. Cover lightly and let stand in a warm, draft-free place overnight. (I prefer the oven with the light on).

Next morning, punch down and knead a little. Divide into three parts. For each loaf, knead on a floured surface. Press dough outward to form approximately a 10 x 8 inch shape. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and sugar. Dot with raisins and chopped pecans.

Roll dough from one end to the other - jelly roll style. Crimp ends as you roll the loaf onto your right hand. Place into well greased, 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place (oven with light on) for 5 hours or more - dough rises slowly.

When ready to bake, bake in 350 degree oven for about 30-35 minutes or until bread is golden brown.

Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Empty bread from pans onto a wire rack. When cool, glaze. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Dot with red maraschino cherry halves, if desired. This bread freezes well.

SOUR DOUGH STARTER RECIPE:

3/4 c.sugar
1 c. warm water
3 tbsp. instant potatoes

Combine the sugar, instant potatoes and water. Mix well. Place mixture in a quart jar and let stand, uncovered, in a warm place on kitchen counter for 5-6 days, feed the following to the mixture:

3/4 c. sugar
1 c. warm water
3 tbsp. instant potatoes

Mix well. Let stand at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, uncovered. Stir several times during this period.

Set aside one cup of starter to make bread. Put remaining starter in the refrigerator, cover lightly. Keep in refrigerator for 3-5 days and feed again, according to above.

Again, after standing out for 8 hours, set aside one cup to make bread - and so on and so on. If not making bread - discard, or give to a friend, or freeze.