Vaisiu Pyragas -- Fruit Bread (Lithuania)

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl whisk together yeast, JUST 1/2 cup of the sugar, milk, JUST 3 cups of the flour & salt, combining until smooth, then cover & let stand for 1 hour.
2. 2
   After the 1 hour, add the 4 ounces of melted butter, eggs, another 1/2 cup of sugar & the remaining flour, & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. 3
   Add chopped fruits, raisins & nuts & knead until well incorporated, then cover & let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. 4
   In a small container, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon & set aside, then grease two large loaf pans.
5. 5
   Divide dough in half &, on a lightly floured surface, roll each half, one at a time, into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches.
6. 6
   Spread each half with melted butter & the sugar/cinnamon mixture, then roll the dough up lengthwise & tuck in the ends before placing them in the prepared loaf pans.
7. 7
   Cover pans with greased plastic wrap & let rise until doubled.
8. 8
   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F & bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F & bake 50 minutes longer.
9. 9
   Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10
    If desired, the loaves can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a vanilla icing.