Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and yeast.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk, 1/2 cup sugar, shortening, and salt just until warm, stirring constantly to melt shortening.
3. Add the warm mixture to the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
4. Add eggs and beat at low speed with an electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping sides of the bowl constantly.
5. Beat at high speed for three minutes.
6. By hand, stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough.
7. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
8. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
9. Punch down the dough and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
10. Divide the dough in half.
11. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
12. Roll each half into a 15 x 7-inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface with water.
13. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and ground cinnamon.
14. Spread half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each rectangle.
15. Roll each rectangle up as for a jelly roll, starting with the narrow side.
16. Seal the long edge and ends of each roll.
17. Place the sealed side down in two greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
18. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size.
19. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until done, about 30 minutes.
20. Drizzle with icing before serving.