GRANDMA'S CHEESE BRAID

Steps:

• Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, salt, sugar and undissolved dry yeast in a large mixer bowl.
• Combine yogurt, water and butter in a saucepan.
• Heat over low heat until liquids are very warm (120-130^F).
• Gradually add yogurt mixture to dry ingredients in bowl and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.
• Beat eggs.
• Reserve 1 T of beaten eggs for topping.
• Add remaining eggs, 1 cup flour, and 1 1/2 cups cheese to mixer bowl.
• Beat at high speed to make a stiff dough.
• Turn out on lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about an hour.
• Punch dough down.
• Turn onto a lightly floured board and divide in half; divide each half into 3 equal pieces.
• Shape each piece into a 12 inch rope.
• Braid 3 ropes together.
• Pinch ends together to seal and place in a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan.
• Repeat with remaining 3 ropes.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk again, about 1 hour.
• Combine reserved tablespoon of beaten egg with milk.
• Brush over loaves.
• Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
• Bake in preheated 375 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes or until done.
• I always check the temperature of any yeast bread that I make with an instant read thermometer.
• It should be about 205^F.
• Remove from pans and cool on wire rack.