1 1/4 c. scalded milk
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter (unsalted)
2 yeast cakes or 2 pkgs. yeast
5 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
4 eggs
1 1/4 c. raisins
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1/2 c. confectioners' sugar
1 tbsp. orange juice

1. In a bowl, combine milk, sugar and butter. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup water.

2. Add yeast mixture to milk and stir in 1/2 the flour, beat well.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs with salt. Add to flour-milk; mix well. Stir in remaining flour, raisins and orange rind. Knead mixture for 10 minutes (dough will be soft and sticky). Cover; set in a warm spot and wait until it doubles in bulk, about 1 hour.

4. Punch down dough; knead for a few minutes. Divide dough in half and place in a warm spot again until it doubles in bulk, about 1/2 hour. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or when top of bread is browned.

5. Remove bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. If you want to pour a sugar glaze over the bread, combine confectioners' sugar and orange juice; drizzle it over the warm bread. Serves 10-12 depending on how you cut it.

C/R