Old-Fashioned Spiced Prune Loaf

Ingredients

 * 2 packages yeast
 * 1/3 cup lukewarm water
 * 1/2 cup plus 2 tsp sugar
 * 1/3 tsp cinnamon
 * 1/2 tsp salt
 * 1 3/4 cup milk, scalded
 * 4 tsp butter, melted
 * 2 eggs, beaten
 * 6 1/2 to 7 cups flour
 * Nutmeg
 * Powdered ginger
 * 3/4 cup soft prunes, diced

Steps
Mix water with 2 tsp sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Cover and set aside until foamy. In large bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar with cinnamon and salt. Add milk, stir, and cool to lukewarm. Add yeast, butter and eggs. Beat vigorously with wooden spoon. Add 2 1/2 cups flour with nutmeg and ginger. Beat again. Add prunes and enough flour to make soft dough. Beat once more. Turn dough out onto board. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Knead 10 minutes, then divide into 2 parts and cover with soft cloth or paper towels for 30 minutes. Put in loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled in size. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes then 375° for 35-40 minutes or until done. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then transfer loaves from pans to racks.