ITALIAN SESAME BREAD

Italian Sesame Bread image

Provided by gailanng

Time 3h25m

Yield 1 14 inch braid

Number Of Ingredients 7

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3 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or 3 3/4 cups european-style artisan bread flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup water (plus 2 - 4 tablespoons water)
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or 3 tablespoons whole flax seeds, golden preferred
1 beaten egg white

Steps:

Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients by hand, mixer, bread machine or food processor until you've made a smooth, elastic dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch log, tapering the ends slightly. Place the logs on a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Braid them loosely; pinch the ends together, and tuck them under.
Brush some of the beaten egg white over the braid; reserving the remainder. Cover the braid and allow it to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it's almost doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400° degrees. Brush the braid again with some of the remaining egg white and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake the braid for 20 to 25 minutes, until it's golden brown. (Tent it lightly with aluminum foil after 15 minutes, if it appears to be browning too quickly.).
Remove the braid from the oven, and cool it on a wire rack.