Traditional Coffee Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Scald milk and shortening. To do this, bring milk almost to a boil over low-medium heat and then stir in the shortening to melt it. Set aside to cool until lukewarm.
2. 2
   Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and add 1 T sugar.
3. 3
   When yeast is foamy and the milk is lukewarm add the yeast mixture to the milk.
4. 4
   Add 4 C flour and salt.
5. 5
   Beat well, cover and set in warm place until double in size. It should be the texture of thick pancake batter. (This is a step in old recipes known as the sponge, used to cultivate the yeast.).
6. 6
   Punch Down. Add beaten eggs, 1&1/2 C Sugar, raisins, and orange rind.
7. 7
   Add just enough flour, approx 4-5 Cups, to make soft dough just stiff enough to knead.(this is a judgement call about how much is enough).
8. 8
   Knead for at least 5 minutes, using remaining flour to coat surfaces until dough becomes elastic enough to handle (might need a little more).
9. 9
   Let rise until double again and punch down.
10. 10
    Make into five round loaves and put into greased pie pans.
11. 11
    Spread with melted butter on top and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
12. 12
    Let rise again.
13. 13
    Bake @375 degrees F for 35 min or until done. If it browns too quickly, turn oven down to 300 F midway through baking.
14. 14
    When cool, slice 1/2 inch thick to serve. Great toasted!
15. 15
    Same dough recipe without citrus rind makes good cinnamon rolls.