Braided Bread

The loaf comes out pretty big (about the size of two normal loaves), so make sure you've got a buddy to help you eat it after following the recipe.

A cool variation to try would be to add parmesan cheese to the toppings...

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 tsp yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 - 5 1/2 cups flour
• 1 egg white
• 2 tsp water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sesame seed
• 1 tsp caraway seed

Directions

1. In large bowl, combine yeast, water, & milk.  Mix well.
2. Add butter, sugar, yolk, and mix well.
3. Add salt and 2-3 cups of flour.  Mix well.  Add enough remaining flour to make a dough.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.  Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place until doubled (about 60 minutes).
5. Punch down.  Split into three equal pieces and roll into 20" ropes.
6. Grease baking pan and coat with cornmeal.  Place ropes on baking pan and braid them together.
7. Let rise in warm place until doubled (about 45 minutes).
8. Mix together egg white and water.  Brush over dough.  Mix remaining ingredients and sprinkle over dough.
9. Bake at 375ºF for 23-28 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.