Easter Paska - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. warm water
2 pkg. dry yeast
1 c. milk
3/4 c. lard or shortening, melted
1 Tbsp. salt
1 c. sugar
4 egg yolks
2 whole eggs, room temperature
10 to 11 c. flour
raisins (if desired)

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup water.
Measure 1 1/2 cups warm water, 1 cup milk, lard, salt and sugar into a bowl.
Add the yeast mixture.
Beat 4 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs and add to milk mixture.
Add flour 2 cups at a time.
Keep adding and working in until dough is no longer sticky.
Grease large bowl or pan.
Let dough rise in pan in warm place for 2 hours.
Punch down lightly. Let rise 45 minutes longer.
Form into loaves.
Let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Brush with egg.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 45 minutes.
Pieces of dough may be rolled into long strips and then braided.
Makes 4 small loaves.