Braided Bread

Post date: Oct 22, 2011 2:47:09 PM

6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

2 pkgs. Active Dry or Rapid Rise yeast

2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter

In large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt. In samll microwave safe bowl, heat water, milk, and butter until very warm (120 to 130 F). It should feel warm to the touch but not hot! Gradually add mixture to dry ingredients; beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasioinally.

With spoon, stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead in bowl or lightly foured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place dough in a warm place, such as the top of the stove while the oven is on, covered with a tea towel to retain heat. Allow to rise until doubled in size, about 60 minutes.

Separate dough into six equal size balls. Roll each ball with your hands into long strands and place each strand on a greased cookie sheet. Take three strands and crimp the end and start braiding the strands together to make one loaf and repeat the same process with the three remaining strands, crimping the ends so that they stay together.

Allow to rise for about 45 - 60 minutes. Brush braids with an egg wash, which consists of one beaten egg and a teaspoon of water stirred together. Cover all the surfaces of the braid with the egg wash and place immediately in 400 degree oven. Bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Allow bread to sit and "rest" for a few minutes before slicing.