Easter Paska

Place the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved and the milk is lukewarm. Remove from the heat and sprinkled the yeast over the surface of the milk mixture. Set aside.

Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix in the eggs, shortening, butter, and raisins until incorporated. Slowly mix in the milk and mix until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the side of the bowl. Add more flour if necessary.

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and set aside in a warm place to rise for 2-2 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Remove the dough from the bowl to a floured surface. Divide into three pieces and form each into 10-inch long strips that are about 3 inches thick.

Braid the three strips together then coil them into a round pan that is 6-inches tall. Set aside for 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free area.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F, then reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F for 40-50 minutes.

Remove the Paska from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let cool before serving.