Bread Braid

Holiday Bread Braid
Soft on the inside, this flavorful bread has been a favorite on our holiday table for over 10 years.  The crust gives a slight crunch, especially when toasted, and is nearly impossible to resist.  Perfect simply spread with butter, the bread also works itself beautifully into a lovely French Toast breakfast.

1 Tbs active dry yeast (such as active dry yeast or Red Star Platinum)

1/2 cup warm water

1 cup milk (use milk alternative for dairy free version - we used low fat organic rice milk) *

3 Tbs butter (I used Earth Balance dairy free butter alternative) *

2 1/2 Tbs sugar *

2 1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs *

5-6 cups Bread flour

egg mixed with 1 Tbs water for brushing

golden sesame seeds for sprinkling

semolina flour for dusting the baking sheet (may use cooking spray)

In the bowl of a stand mixer dissolve the yeast in the warm water.  Add the milk, butter, sugar, salt,  2 eggs and 1 cup of flour.  Beat until smooth.  Switching to bread hook, add flour one cup at a time, and then in smaller amounts as the dough comes together,  beat in enough of the flour to form a soft dough that cleans the sides of the bowl as it kneads.  Allow the dough to knead on the bread hook for about 6 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover.  Place in a warm spot until dough has doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down and turn out onto a floured surface.  Dust a cooking sheet liberally with semolina flour, or alternatively spray with cooking spray. 

Divide dough in half, then divide each half portion into thirds.  Shape each piece into 12 inch long ropes.  Lay the three ropes side by side and gather the tops, pinching the ends to seal and braid the ropes.  Pinch the other end to seal and carefully move to a semolina floured baking sheet.  Tuck the ends under.  Repeat with the remaining 3 ropes.  Cover with a towel and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350º.

Beat egg white with 1 Tbs water and brush over the braids.  Sprinkle with golden sesame seeds.  Bake for 18-25 minutes (checking at about 18 minutes) or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.  Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.  Or dive right in and slice and butter!!!

*Liv Life Note:  for a richer loaf use whole milk, increase butter to 1/4 cup, sugar to 1/4 cup and use 3 eggs in the dough!   Additionally, you will need to add a bit more flour.