Babka

Babka

Ingredients/Components

• sugar - 1/2 c
• cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
• milk
• butter or margarine - 1/2 c
• salt - 1 tsp
• all-purpose flour - 4 c
• lemon rind, grated - 1 item
• active dry yeast - 1 pkg
• golden raisins - 1 c
• sliced blanched almonds - 1/4 c
• egg yolks 1 kept separate - 5 item

How to make babka:

Measure flour onto wax paper. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt and cinnamon in large bowl of electric mixer. Stir well, then add melted butter and lukewarm milk gradually. Beat at low speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Add 4 yolks and 1 cup flour; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl occasionally, until thick and elastic.

With wooden spoon, gradually stir in remaining flour to make a soft dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk. Stir in raisins and lemon rind.

Put in well-greased, 3-quart, fluted tube pan or heavy Bundt pan. Brush with remaining yolk, mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Sprinkle with almonds and let rise, uncovered, 1 hour.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes. Turn out of pan and cool on rack.

Recipe categories: Breads, Grains, Yeast breads.