ingredients

1 Tbsp. dry yeast
1 tsp. Sugar
¼ c. warm water
½ c. milk
8 Tbsp. butter, cut
3 whole eggs beaten
½ c. honey
½ c. sour cream
grated rind of 1 lemon
6 to 7 c. flour
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp. water
blanched, sliced, almonds

Directions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in water.  Scald milk, stir in butter and let cool to lukewarm.  Add milk mixture to yeast along with eggs, honey, sour cream, salt and lemon rind.  Stir in flour, enough to make soft dough, knead 10 minutes.  Let rise until doubled.  Punch down and divide in half.  Divide each half into three equal balls.  Roll each out into 12 inch ropes.  Braid three ropes together and place on greased baking sheet.  Let rise 30 minutes.  Beat egg yolk with water.  Brush top of each loaf, then sprinkle with almonds.  Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.