1/2 c. warm water
1 pkg. dry yeast
1 1/2 c. scalded milk
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
Lemon zest
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. raisins
2 eggs
1 egg yolk (reserve white)
5-6 c. all-purpose flour
Mace or nutmeg
Chopped nuts

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Scald milk; add butter, sugar, salt and cool to lukewarm. Add yeast mixture, raisins, lemon zest, and eggs; mix well. Add flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth.

Put into greased bowl; cover and let rise until double in bulk. Place dough on floured board and cut into 7 equal parts. Roll each piece into a long strand; braid 4 strands together and put on greased cookie sheet. Braid remaining 3 strands and lay on top of the 4 braid. Cover and let rise until double in bulk.

Beat remaining egg white lightly with mace or nutmeg and brush top of houska. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until nicely browned. Remove from pan and cool.