Ingredients
3 packages dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (105°F)
1 cup milk
1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
8 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
3 whole eggs (beaten)
3 more egg yolks (beaten with other eggs)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup white raisins
Preparation
Scald milk and add butter; set aside to cool.
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand 10 minutes or until sufficiently “foamed.”
In a large bowl, mix flour and rest of dry ingredients. Combine both dry and wet ingredients in the following order: add 3 cups flour mix, then wet ingredients (excluding raisins), then 2 cups flour mix, then more 2 cups flour mix, 1 cup flour mix, and finally raisins.
Let rise in warm area for 1 1/2 hours. Punch down and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Divide into 3 chunks and place in greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise in warm area for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on rack and enjoy this great family tradition.
