1 can condensed milk¾ can hot water (about 120 degrees)3 packages dry yeast1 tsp. sugar6 eggs1½ cups sugar8 cups flour½ tsp. salt

Combine condensed milk with hot water. Add dry yeast and 1 tsp. sugar. Let stand.Meanwhile, beat eggs with 1½ cups sugar.In a large bowl, combine flour with saltMix well and add milk mixture and eggs. Work well; add more flour if needed.Punch down three times, once every 15 minutes.Cut pieces and shape into three strands. Press dough together at one end and braid the pieces, pinching them together at other end when finished.Bake at 350 degrees in parchment paper until golden brown; brush top with melted butter.<b><i>Courtesy of Fran Draper of Butler.</i></b>

As a variation on her usual recipe, Fran Draper will weave her dough around eggs which can be hard-boiled or raw to make "baby dolls."