Authentic Polish Babka

Ingredients:
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon dried lemon peel
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped almonds

Directions:
Scald milk. Add shortening, salt, and sugar; stir until melted.
Cool to lukewarm. Add yeast to water; stir until dissolved.
Add to lukewarm milk mixture; mix well.
Beat eggs; add with lemon peel to milk mixture.
Add flour; beat until smooth.
Cover; let rise about 6 hours. Punch down.
Add raisins; beat until smooth and elastic.
Generously grease brioche pan;
sprinkle bottom with almonds. Pour dough into pan.
Let rise, uncovered, about 20 minutes.
Bake in 425 F. oven 20 minutes.
Unmold immediately. Yields 12 servings.