Coffee Cake Braid

Directions

1. 1
   Dissolve yeast in warm water.
2. 2
   Set aside.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, combine milk, shortening, sugar, and salt.
4. 4
   Cool until lukewarm. Add eggs and then yeast mixture.
5. 5
   Stir to blend.
6. 6
   GRADUALLY, add flour that has been sifted with the cinnamon.
7. 7
   Add fruit.
8. 8
   Mix to form a soft dough.
9. 9
   Knead lightly, on a floured surface, until smooth and elastic.
10. 10
    Place in a greased bowl and cover.
11. 11
    Let rise until size doubles (approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours).
12. 12
    Divide dough into two equal parts.
13. 13
    Cover and let rest for ten minutes.
14. 14
    Roll each part into a rectangle, 1/2 inch thick.
15. 15
    Cut each rectangle into three lengthwise strips.
16. 16
    Braid the three strips into a loaf form, sealing the ends.
17. 17
    Place on a greased baking sheet.
18. 18
    Cover and let rise until size doubles (approximately 1 1/2 hours).
19. 19
    Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
20. 20
    Remove from oven.
21. 21
    While warm, glaze with confectioner's sugar that has been moistened with a few drops of water and the vanilla.