Bohemian Hoska (Christmas Bread)

1 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit
1/2 cup shortening (butter or margarine)
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
4 1/2 cups flour

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Scald milk, add sugar and butter, cool to lukewarm. Mix remaining ingredients together and knead until smooth. Let rise until double (about 1 hour). Divide dough in half. Take one half and divide into thirds and roll and braid.

Put on baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Take the other half and divide in thirds, roll and braid. Place on top of the other half. Brush with melted butter.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then at 300 degrees for 35 minutes. After cooling spread with powdered sugar frosting. May garnish with red and green maraschino cherries.