Author
Hicks, Catherine
Comment
Makes any table special
Type
Bread
->Ingredients
2-1/4 cups very warm water
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 cups white, unbleached flour
Salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup lightly salted butter or margarine
1 Tablespoon sugar
->Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2-1/4 cups very warm water
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Let stand 2 minutes .
2. Add: 2 cups white, unbleached flour
Let stand covered for 30 minutes.
3. Add: 2 eggs
4 t. salt
1/2 cup lightly salted butter or margarine at room temperature
2 more cups flour (unbleached, or whole wheat if you want brown bread)
Beat smooth.
4. Stir in: 3-1/2 to 4 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
Mix to soft dough. Turn onto well-floured surface.
Knead 8-10 minutes (until smooth and elastic, adding only as much flour as needed to prevent sticking).
Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to bring greased side up.
Cover.
5. Rise in warm place until double in volume (about 1-1/2 to 2 hours).
6. Butter: 2 long baking sheets.
Punch dough down and cut in half.
Cut 2/3 of one piece into 3 equal pieces.
Roll each into sausage shape 14″ long.
Braid the three together.
Pinch ends to seal.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet.
Cut remaining 1/3 dough piece into 3 equal pieces.
Roll each into sausage shape 12″ long.
Braid together.
Pinch ends to seal.
Place small braid on top of large braid.
Repeat, large and small braid, with remaining half of dough.
8. Place on prepared sheet.
9. Cover both braids. Raise until double (about 45 minutes).
Brush loaves with:
1 egg beaten with 1 T. sugar
10. Bake: In non-preheated oven at 350° for 30^10 minutes.
Cool on wire rack.
September 28, 2013