Christmas Bread Recipe

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add evaporated milk, sugar, shortening, salt, eggs and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in fruit and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (do not knead). Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/4 hours.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 3 to 4 minutes. Pat evenly into a greased 10 inch tube pan. Cover and let in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to cool on a wire rack. Combine confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla; drizzle over bread. Garnish with candied fruit if desired.