3/4 c. milk
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1 egg
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. warm water
4 c. flour

Heat milk, stir in sugar, salt and butter. Cool to lukewarm (if too hot, yeast will be killed). Sprinkle yeast over lukewarm water in warm bowl. Stir until yeast is completely dissolved, then stir in milk mixture, the egg and 2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 2 cups flour, mixing well.

Cover 1 to 2 hours. (Placing rising dough and a pan of hot water in an unlit oven speeds rising). When doubled in bulk, bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. When almost cool, drizzle with vanilla glaze and decorate with cherries and chopped walnuts.

VANILLA GLAZE:

Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until smooth.