Braided Sesame Seed Bread

AmyZoe's Note:

This is the first bread I ever made when I was a kid. I consider it fail-proof, and it's very good. Preparation time doesn't include rising time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 45 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 1 1/2 cups hot milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 5 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 eggs
• 6 1/2 cups flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Into hot milk, stir sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup butter.
2. Cool to lukewarm.
3. Sprinkle yeast over warm water in bowl.
4. Stir to dissolve.
5. Stir in lukewarm milk mixture.
6. Add 2 eggs and 3 cups flour and beat at high speed for 2 minutes.
7. With a wooden spoon gradually beat in 3 1/2 cups flour and mix with hand until dough is stiff enough to leave the side of the bowl.
8. Knead for 10 minutes or until elastic.
9. Place dough in lightly greased large bowl.
10. Turn dough over to bring up greased side.
11. Cover with towel and let rise for 1 1/2 hours in warm place.
12. Divide dough in half and cut each half into thirds.
13. Roll each third into 26" long strips.
14. Braid three strips and pinch ends together.
15. On a large greased cookie sheet, form braid into a ring (6 inches in diameter).
16. Mix egg with 2 tablespoons water and brush top.
17. Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
18. Let rise 1 hour.
19. Preheat oven to 375.
20. Brush with rest of egg mixture and put sesame or poppy seeds on top.
21. Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Reviews

[Wildflour]

This bread was wonderful! I hadn't made homemade bread in a long time time, and forgot not only how much fun it is to make, but how the whole house smells like a bakery while it's in the oven!! Very good recipe! We loved it!! :)