Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 2 teaspoons lemon zest
* 3/4 cup butter
* 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1/4 cup warm water
* 2 eggs
* 2 egg yolks
* 5 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup chopped nuts
* 1 egg, beaten

Methods:

1. In a small saucepan heat milk until hot, but not boiling; mix in 1/2 cup sugar, salt, lemon zest, and butter. Remove from heat, and cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix together yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 cup water stir into milk. Beat in 2 eggs and egg yolks. Mix in 3 cups flour. Cover, and let rise in a warm place.
2. Mix in the raisins and nuts. Gradually mix in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Place dough in a well-oiled bowl cover and set aside to rise.
3. Divide dough into 3 balls. Roll each ball out into a thick log,braid and tuck the ends under. Place on a large cookie sheet and set aside to rise one more time.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush beaten egg over the dough. It gives a shine to it.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.