Anonymous Fri Oct 07 16:38:09 2005

1 c Milk

1/2 c Water

2 x Packages dry yeast

6 c Bread flour (up to 7 cups)

1/2 c Sugar

1/2 c Cocoa

2 ts Salt

3 x Eggs

1/2 c Butter, melted

1/2 c Sour cream

2 ts Vanilla

Heat milk, water until 105-115 degrees. Dissolve yeast in liquid. Spoon flour in measuring

cups, level. Place 2 cups flour in a large bowl, combine with cocoa, salt, sugar, blend well.

Add yeast mixture, eggs, butter, sour cream and vanilla to flour. Beat at low speed until

moistened. Beat another 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in another 3 cups flour

to form a stiff dough. Knead in another 1-2 cups flour until dough is smooth and elastic.

Place in greased bowl, cover, let rise until doubled (1 1/2 hours). Punch down divide into 2

equal parts, and shape into balls. Allow to rest, covered, 15 minutes. Form into braids, and

let rise until doubled in bulk. Brush braids with 1 Tbsp melted margarine, and

cinnamon/sugar combination. Bake in 350 oven 20-25 minutes. Cool on racks, top with

chocolate glaze, and garnish as desired (chocolate-dipped marischino cherries w/stems?)