Stir sugar, salt and ¼ cup butter into hot milk. Cool to lukewarm. (a drop on your wrist won’t feel hot)

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large bowl. Stir to dissolve.

Stir in lukewarm milk mixture.

Add 2 eggs and 2.5 cups flour. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Gradually beat in remaining 2 cups flour; knead with hand until the dough is stiff enough to leave side of bowl.

Place dough in a lightly greased large bowl. Turn dough over – greased side up – and cover with a towel.

Let rise in warm place (85F) free from drafts, until doubled in size – about an hour.

Make Filling – In a medium bowl beat eggs slightly, add nuts, brown sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir and set aside.

When dough has risen, punch down. On a lightly floured surface, turn dough out, cover with bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Roll the dough out to a 30x20” rectangle.

Spread with filling, to 1 inch from edge.

Starting from wide side – roll up tightly – jellyroll style. Seal by pinching edges of dough with fingers.

On a large greased cookie sheet or seasoned baking stone, form roll into a large coil.

Let rise in a warm place (85F), cover with towel, for one hour.

Preheat oven to 350F. Brush with 2 Tablespoons melted butter. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden.

Cool on wire rack. Makes a whopping 4-pound loaf!