3 pkgs. dry yeast (active)
3/4 c. water (warm)
3/4 c. milk (scalding)
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs, beaten
5 1/2 c. unsifted flour (all-purpose)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl, mix 3/4 cup very warm water and 3 packages yeast. Let stand. Stir until dissolved; set aside.

In large bowl, pour hot milk over sugar, salt, and butter. Cool to lukewarm. Stir in yeast mixture, eggs, and 3 cups flour; mix until smooth. Stir in additional flour to make soft dough. Turn dough onto floured surface. Put in greased bowl; let rise until smooth and elastic (30-60 minutes). Punch dough down; turn on floured surface. Break into 3 sections, then 3 again; braid. Bake braided bread 10 to 15 minutes on foil only.