Coconut Drop Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk (warmed)
• 1 pack thawed grated coconut (16oz)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup mixed peel (optional)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 5 cups flour

Instructions

1. Mix warm water and 1tsp sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit.
2. Cut margarine into cubes and add to yeast.
3. Add shortneging, warm milk, beaten eggs, grated coconut, sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins and mixed peel. Stir.
4. Mix baking powder and flour. Add to bowl and mix. Dough should be soft.
5. Grease loaf pans.
6. Place flour on board or counter. Remove enough dough for one loaf and flatten on floured surface.
7. Roll into loaf shape and place in greased pan.
8. Score the top of the bread with diamond shapes.
9. Place red cherry pieces on diamond corners.
10. Let bread proof.
11. Bake at 350F for 30-40mins.
12. Add just enough water to sugar to make a paste.
13. When bread is nearly done baking, top with sugar paste and return to oven until sugar dries.
14. Remove bread and cool on wire rack.