Sweet Bread

This bread is dense and has a great colour, good with stews, meat dishes or with tea or coffee. I got this recipe from a portuguese cookbook. and love making it. Enjoy.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 55 mins
• Yields: 4 Breads

Ingredients

• 1  teaspoon granulated sugar, plus
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup  lukewarm water
• 1  package active dry yeast or 1  tablespoon active dry yeast
• 6  eggs, room temperature
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  warm milk
• 8  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted and cooled

• Topping

• 4  teaspoons butter

Directions

1. In measuring cup, dissolve 1 tsp. sugar in lukewarm water
2. sprinkle in yeast and let stand for 10 minutes, or until frothy.
3. In large bowl, beat eggs, salt and remaining 3/4 cup sugar for 2 minutes, or until foamy.
4. Stir yeast mixture vigorously with fork and stir into egg mixture.
5. Stir in milk and gradually beat in flour.
6. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
7. Return dough to bowl and gradually add butter.
8. Continue kneading until all butter is blended into dough.
9. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning to grease all over.
10. Cover and let rise in draft-free place for 1 hour.
11. Punch down dough; turn out, divide into four portions and form each portion into a ball.
12. Knead each ball for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
13. Cover dough and set aside on well-floured board or counter top for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until dough looks slightly puffy and surface is crusty.
14. Place dough on well greased baking sheet or 9" round pans and bake in 325F oven for 25 minutes, or until golden on top.
15. Turn off heat and leave bread in oven for 10 minutes, or until browned all over.
16. Transfer to wire rack to cool.
17. Place 1 tsp. butter on each loaf and brush to coat top. Blot off excess with paper towels.
18. Makes four 9-inch breads.