Armenian Easter Bread

Very tasty and addicting sweet bread. Secret ingredients are mahleb, seeds which can be purchased in any Middle Eastern grocery, and nigella, black seeds. Makes two large or three small loaves. Passive work time includes rising time and baking time.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 2-3 loaves

Ingredients

• 6  cups flour
• 1  cup butter, melted
• 1  cup milk, warmed
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 3  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons  yeast
• 1  teaspoon mahleb, ground seeds (to taste)
• 1  teaspoon nigella seeds
• 1  egg yolk
•  sesame seeds or  poppy seeds (optional) or   coarsely chopped  blanched almond, for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk in Kitchen Aide.
2. Add sugar and melted butter.
3. Beat eggs and add, along with salt, ground mahleb and nigella.
4. Add flour gradually, one cup at a time until dough comes away from sides of bowl.
5. Knead 10 minutes until shiny and no longer sticky.
6. Place dough in oiled bowl, turn to coat outside with oil and cover. Put in a warm place to rise until doubled.
7. Divide into two or three balls.
8. Divide each ball into three and roll out with your hands to three long ropes.
9. Pinch all three ends together and braid loosely. Pinch ends and tuck under.
10. Cover and allow to rise again until doubled.
11. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped blanched almonds.
12. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated 375 degree oven. Every oven is different. You can check for doneness with an instant read thermometer. Center of bread should read around 195-200°F.