Easter Braid

Directions

1. 1
   Mix flour, salt, 5 Tbsp. sugar, & shortening together.
2. 2
   Add fruit, dates, nuts, and orange peel.
3. 3
   Divide the fruit ingredients into 3 equal portions in separate bowls.
4. 4
   Divide yeast equally into 3 cups.
5. 5
   Add 1 Tbsp. sugar into each yeast cup. Add 2 Tbsp. lukewarm water to each yeast cup to soften the yeast.
6. 6
   Add a few drops of 1 food coloring to each of the yeast cups.
7. 7
   In each yeast cup, add 1 Tbsp. flour to make a batter.
8. 8
   Divide lukewarm milk into 3 equal parts.
9. 9
   To each 1/3 fruit mixture, add 1 cup of yeast mixture and 1 portion of lukewarm milk.
10. 10
    Knead until well mixed and a soft dough is formed.
11. 11
    Grease bowls and dough.
12. 12
    Let rise in warm place until doubled in size.
13. 13
    Punch down & let rise again. divide each bowl of dough into 3 equal portions.
14. 14
    Roll each portion into ropes;
15. 15
    about 9 inches long.
16. 16
    Then braid (1 piece of each color) forming a loaf.
17. 17
    Place in greased loaf pans, allowing bread to double in size.
18. 18
    Bake in 350°F. oven for about 25 to 30 minutes.