DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY BREAD

Delightful Holiday Bread image

The first time I made this braided bread for Christmas, everyone loved it. In fact, when my sister-in-law came for a visit the following July, she asked me to teach her to make it. -Cheri Neustifter of Sturtevant, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 loaf (24 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1-3/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons almond extract
2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
5 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons sliced almonds

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, sugar, extract, oil, salt and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; turn once to coat top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into thirds; shape each portion into a 20-in. rope. Place ropes on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray; braid. Pinch ends together, forming a round loaf. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes. , Beat egg and water; brush over loaf. Sprinkle with sugar and almonds. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 154mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.