Moravian Christmas Loaf - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 cups milk, lukewarm
1/2 fresh yeast cake, softened in
1/4 cup water
6 -8 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 lb raisins, cut
1/2 lb currants
1/4 lb candied citron peel, chopped
1/2 cup almonds, sliced

Preparation

Add softened yeast to milk.
Add 3 cups flour, and salt; mix well.
Cover and let rise in a warm place overnight.
In the morning, heat the milk; add butter and stir until melted.
Combine with yeast mixture and add sugar, fruit and remaining flour; knead well until dough is no longer sticky (use more flour, if necessary).
Cover and let rise until double.
Shape into loaves, place in greased loaf pans and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Let rise until doubled.
Bake at 375\u00b0F for 40 minutes.