Portuguese 5-Egg Easter Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a saucepan combine milk, salt and lard and bring to a boil.
2. 2
   Set aside.
3. 3
   In a small bowl combine yeast, 1 cup of the flour and 1/2 cup warm water and set aside.
4. 4
   In a large bowl with a whisk combine eggs, sugar and lemon zest and mix thoroughly.
5. 5
   Add milk mixture, yeast mixture, and remaining flour and thoroughly combine.
6. 6
   Set aside to rise, kneading 6 times every 1/2-hour.
7. 7
   Bread will take 6 hours to rise.
8. 8
   Prepare 5 round loaf pans with butter or lard.
9. 9
   Divide dough between pans (pans should be half-full).
10. 10
    Knead bread and let it rise again until it reaches the top of the pan.
11. 11
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 1 hour, until golden brown.
12. 12
    Note: If you choose to add the 5 eggs for Easter, place eggs on top of bread dough during final rising.