Vaisiu Pyragas -- Fruit Bread (Lithuania)

Ingredients

• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 cups milk, warm
• 8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 lb dried fruit, chopped fine
• 1 1/2 cups light raisins
• 2/3 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted (again)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (again)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl whisk together yeast, JUST 1/2 cup of the sugar, milk, JUST 3 cups of the flour & salt, combining until smooth, then cover & let stand for 1 hour.

2. 2

   After the 1 hour, add the 4 ounces of melted butter, eggs, another 1/2 cup of sugar & the remaining flour, & knead until smooth & elastic, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add chopped fruits, raisins & nuts & knead until well incorporated, then cover & let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

4. 4

   In a small container, mix 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon & set aside, then grease two large loaf pans.

5. 5

   Divide dough in half &, on a lightly floured surface, roll each half, one at a time, into a rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches.

6. 6

   Spread each half with melted butter & the sugar/cinnamon mixture, then roll the dough up lengthwise & tuck in the ends before placing them in the prepared loaf pans.

7. 7

   Cover pans with greased plastic wrap & let rise until doubled.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F & bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F & bake 50 minutes longer.

9. 9

   Turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10. 10

    If desired, the loaves can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a vanilla icing.