Italian Almond Bread Recipe

Directions:

1. Using 2 cups warm water dissolve yeast in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add all ingredients, except flour and almonds. Mix well.
3. Add 3 cups flour and beat till smooth.
4. Add almonds and enough additional flour till dough is easy to handle.
5. On a lightly floured board, knead bread till smooth.
6. Place in a greased bowl then turn 180 degrees to where the greased side is up, cover and let stand in a warm place.
7. When bread dough has risen and doubled in size (50-60 minutes), punch down and divide in half.
8. Form each half into a loaf and place each into greased bread pans. Let dough rise till doubled in size.
9. Bake at 350 degrees in a pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes. Baking times may vary. To test, tap top of bread with finger. It should make a hollow sound. The loaves should look shiny and golden brown.
10. Remove from pans and brush with warm butter.