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Melt butter and allow to cool.
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In a large bowl ( spaghetti pot for mixing ) beat together eggs, sugar, butter, 2 cups warm milk, salt , vanilla, and cinnamon. ( I use a big wooden spoon)
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Add the yeast-flour mixture. Start with 4 1/2 pounds and add enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead well. (You may not need all the flour)
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Cover and let rise till double in size. ( this could take up to 4 hours)
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Punch down and let rise again.
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Butter all the pans.
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Tightly wrap a coin in wax paper. Place one coin on the bottom of each pan.
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Divide dough into equal amounts for small pans, and place in the individual pans, leaving out a small amount for the numbers.
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If using a larger pan, divide dough into four equal amounts, placing 2 batches in the larger pan.
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Make numbers by rolling dough between hands like small cigars.Shape into numbers denoting the year. Place on the dough.
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Let rise until double in volume.
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Before baking brush with a mixture of an egg yolk and water and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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Bake at 350 degrees in the middle of the oven until done, approx. 30 - 45 minutes. Check when done after 30 minutes. (ovens vary) Internal temperature should be 200 degrees.
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I place two pans in the middle of the oven at a time. The other pans can be refrigerated until ready to bake.