Babka

==Description==
This dessert, a cross between cake and sweet bread, is often baked for Easter. 
* Makes two (10 inch) cakes and about 1¼ cups icing.
==Ingredients==
* 3 pk (¼ oz) active dry yeast (3 tbsp)
* ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
* 1 cup sugar
* 7¾ cups all purpose flour
* 1½ cups milk
* 1¼ cups unsalted butter or margarine
* 6 eggs
* 2 egg yolks
* 1½ tsp salt
* 2 egg whites
==Directions==
# Grease side and bottom of 2 (10 inch) tube pans.
# In a shallow, medium bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
# Add 1 tbsp sugar and ½ cup flour; stir to combine.
# Cover; let stand in a warm place 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
# Heat milk and butter or margarine in a small saucepan until melted.
# Let stand until mixture cools to warm.
# In a large bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks and remaining 1 cup sugar until pale and frothy.
# Add cooled milk mixture, salt and yeast mixture.
# Beat until smooth.
# Gradually beat in 4½ cups flour.
# Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
# Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface.
# Knead dough into a soft, smooth dough.
# Divide dough in ½.
# Arrange 1 part dough in each greased pan.
# Cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours.
# Preheat oven to 350°F.
# Lightly beat 2 egg whites in a small bowl until foamy.
# Brush beaten egg whites on top of dough.
# Evenly sprinkle topping over dough.
# Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
# Cool cakes in pans 3 to 4 minutes on racks.
# Turn out of pans; cool completely on racks.
# Frost with powdered sugar icing if desired. 
=== Toppings ===
# In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
# Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
# powdered sugar icing: 2 egg whites 1½ cups sifted powdered sugar ½ tsp lemon juice.
# In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy.
# Gradually add powdered sugar, beating constantly.
# Beat 10 minutes or until glossy.
# Add lemon juice; beat 2 minutes or until icing stands up in soft peaks. 
 
__NOTOC__
Category:Easter Desserts
Category:Polish Desserts
Category:Wheat flour Recipes
Category:Instant yeast Recipes
Category:Milk and cream Recipes
Category:Egg yolk Recipes
Category:Egg white Recipes
Category:Egg Recipes