Houska

Combine Milk (2/3 cup), 1 tablespoon of the Granulated Sugar (4 Tbsp) and Active Dry Yeast (2 tsp) in a small bowl. Allow to proof until bubbly, about 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the cooled, Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp), Eggland's Best Classic Egg (1), Almond Extract (1/2 tsp) and remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.

Add Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (1 cup), then Salt (1 tsp).

Continue to add the remaining Unbleached All Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups) a little at a time until a dough forms.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead.

Kneed in Sun-Maid Raisins (4 Tbsp) and Sliced Almonds (4 Tbsp).

Sprinkle with additional flour as necessary to keep the dough from sticking. Continue to knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Transfer to a greased bowl, cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Return the dough to a work surface and knead briefly. Push or roll the dough into a rectangle about 14-inches long. Cut lengthwise into thirds, stopping each cut just before reaching the far side so that one short end of the rectangle remains intact.

Starting there, braid the strips of dough together and fold both ends under. Place the braid into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover loosely and set aside for 40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Bake for 30 minutes, until the loaf is a deep golden brown. Unmold the bread onto a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!