Preparation:
dissolve yeast in warm water. beat 3 eggs in a large mixing bowl; add salt, sugar, dissolved yeast, and butter. to this mixture, add 4 cups of the flour (all at once). stir in the flour and continue to add 3 more cups of flour until the dough is of a soft consistency. knead the dough on a floured board until the dough is no longer sticky and is springy to the touch. place the dough in a greased mixing bowl and cover with a towel. let rise 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk. punch down the dough, knead it a little, and divide it in 6 pieces. roll each piece with your hands so they become long, skinny ropes. braid 3 ropes, pinching the ends together. repeat the process with the other 3 ropes. place each braided loaf on it`s own greased cookie sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise about an hour- until doubled in bulk. brush the loaves with the 2 beaten eggs, sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional). do not pre-heat oven- bake in a 350f degree oven about 45 minutes, until the bread is golden-brown. |
