Easter Kulick with Paska

Ingredients

• 2 packages Active Dry Yeast
• 1/2 cup Warm Water
• 1/2 cup Warm Milk
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt (opt)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 cup Shortening
• 6 Flour
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 1/4 cup Blanched Almonds -- chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Warm Water
• 1/2 teaspoon Grated Lemon Peel
• 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• 1/4 pound Sweet Butter -- unsalted
• 1/2 pound Powdered Sugar
• 4 Egg Yolks
• 3 pounds Farmer Cheese
• 1/4 pound Raisins
• 1/2 pound Nuts -- chopped
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1/2 pint Cream
• 2 cups Cherries -- chopped