Babka

Makes two (10 inch) cakes. Makes about 1 1/4 cup icing.

Ingredients

 * 3 pk (1/4 oz) active dry yeast (3 tbsp)
 * 3/4 c warm water (110F)
 * 1 cup Sugar
 * 7 3/4 cups all purpose flour
 * 1 1/2 c milk
 * 1 1/4 c unsalted butter or margarine
 * 6 eggs
 * 2 egg yolks
 * 1 1/2 ts salt
 * 2 egg whites

Directions

 * 1) This desert, a cross between cake and sweet bread, is often baked for Easter.
 * 2) Grease side and bottom of 2 (10 inch) tube pans.
 * 3) In a shallow, medium bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
 * 4) Add 1 Tbsp Sugar and 1/2 cup flour; stir to combine.
 * 5) Cover; let stand in a warm place 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
 * 6) Heat milk and butter or margarine in a small saucepan until melted.
 * 7) Let stand until mixture cools to warm. In a large bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks and remaining 1 cup Sugar until pale and frothy.
 * 8) Add cooled milk mixture, salt and yeast mixture.
 * 9) Beat until smooth. Gradually beat in 4 1/2 cups flour.
 * 10) Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
 * 11) Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface.
 * 12) Knead dough into a soft, smooth dough.
 * 13) Divide dough in 1/2.
 * 14) Arrange 1 part dough in each greased pan.
 * 15) Cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours.
 * 16) Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly beat 2 egg whites in a small bowl until foamy. B
 * 17) rush beaten egg whites on top of dough.
 * 18) Evenly sprinkle Topping over dough.
 * 19) Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
 * 20) Cool cakes in pans 3 to 4 minutes on racks.
 * 21) Turn out of pans; cool completely on racks.
 * 22) Frost with powdered sugar Icing if desired.
 * 23) Toppings: In a small bowl, combine Sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
 * 24) Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. powdered sugar Icing: 2 egg whites 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1/2 tsp lemon juice.
 * 25) In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating constantly.
 * 26) Beat 10 minutes or until glossy. Add lemon juice; beat 2 minutes or until icing stands up in soft peaks.