Heat water until 100-110 degrees. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl- add sugar. Add milk and 1/2 cup flour to yeast mixture. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, butter, and slat, beating until smooth. Stir in remaining flour. Turn dough onto a well foured surface. Kread until smooth and elastic. (about 8 minutes) Place in a well greased bowl and let raise until double in size. Punch down. Divide into 6 equal balls. Form into ropes about 14 inches long. Braid and turn the ends under. Let raise for about 1 hour or until double in size. Bake at 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. Let cool completely. COmbine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; stirring well. Drizzle over bread. Garnish with chopped nuts. Makes 2 loaves.
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