A UNIQUE AND DELICIOUS BRAIDED BREAD

A Unique and Delicious Braided Bread image

Provided by foodchef2

Time 2h45m

Yield 1 Loaf

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup lukewarm milk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 egg yolk, beaten with
1 teaspoon milk, for glazing

Steps:

Combine the yeast, honey, milk, and butter, stir, and leave for 15 mintues to dissolve.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the center, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a rough dough.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover, and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.
Grease a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll to shape each piece into a long thin strip.
Begin braiding from the center strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375*F. Place the bread in a cool place while oven heaats. Brush with the glaze and bake until golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Set on a rack to cool completely.