Holiday Bread

Melt the butter and add milk and 1/2 cup warm water and set aside.

Mix yeast with 1/2 cup of warm water (it should bubble, if not start over), add to the other liquid above.

Mix all ingredients and knead.

Make a ball and lightly cover with oil, then push down and cover a blanket.

Let stand 3 - 4 hours, knead again and again cover with a blanket for 1 more hour.

Make 5 loaves and place on 3 greased baking sheets, cover with a blanket for 1/2 hour more.

Beat 2 eggs in a bowl and brush on bread, make a cross in the dough with a sharp knife and bake at 325 degrees for 1/2 hour.