Polish Raisin Bread Food

POLISH RAISIN BREAD

Steps:

• Mix yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.
• Mix sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla together. Melt butter and add to sugar and egg mix when cooled.
• In large bowl, put the yeast mixture and add some of the flour (a couple of tablespoons) and some sugar (a couple tablespoons) that actives the yeast. Start adding the flour, a couple cups at a time with the scalded milk. Once you have most of the flour and milk mixed, pour in the sugar and egg mix. Depending on the eggs you use, you might need more flour. Add the raisins and mix well. Let rise till double.
• After rising, divide dough into 5 parts and put in lightly greased loaf pans. Let rise again in warm place till double.
• When ready, bake in oven middle rack at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes.

CHALKA -- POLISH EGG BREAD

Steps:

• Heat the milk to lukewarm; add melted butter, sugar and salt.
• Stir to combine and let cool to about 110°F
• Add yeast and warm water in mixing bowl and stir until dissolved.
• Add lukewarm milk mixture and 2 eggs and stir to combine.
• Add 3 cups flour and beat until smooth.
• Add the raisins and remaining flour and mix, 3 to 5 minutes until smooth. (Dough will be sticky)
• Place dough in greased bowl.
• Turn over and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until double, about 1 hour.
• Punch down dough and turn out onto lightly floured board.
• If making 1 large loaf, divide dough into 3 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece into a strip about 14 inches long, and braid together the 3 strips on a parchment-lined baking pan. (Note: If making 2 loaves, divide dough into 2 equal pieces and then divide each half into 3 equal pieces, for a total of 6 pieces.)
• Loosely cover bread and let rise again until double, about 30 minutes.
• While bread is rising, preheat oven to 350°F.
• Brush remaining beaten egg lightly on bread.
• Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool completely before serving.
• Store, covered, at room temperature or slice and freeze.