1 Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Combine warm milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, cardamom, salt, and lemon peel in a large bowl.
2 Add l 1/2 cups flour, yeast mixture, and eggs. Mix thoroughly. Add almonds and candied fruit.
3 Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
4 Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth€”about 10 minutes.
5 Place in greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in warm place until double€”about 1 1/2 hours.
6 Punch down dough. Shape into a ball; try to get a nicely rounded top. Place in well-greased 1-pound coffee can. Cover; let rise in warm place until double€”about 45 minutes.
7 Bake in a preheated 350°F oven 35€”40 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack.
8 Mix thoroughly confectioners' sugar and lemon juice. Spoon icing over top of kulich, allowing to drip down sides. If you wish to be traditional, use candied fruit to form letters "XB," standing for "Christ is risen."