VASILOPETA (GREEK NEW YEAR'S BREAD)

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Vasilopeta (Greek New Year's Bread) image

This is the only bread I will make by hand, NOT using my beloved bread machine. Everyone loves this bread, especially our old Labrador Retriever who, years ago, stole a loaf off of the Thanksgiving table and left the turkey alone! (prep time includes rising times)

Provided by Yogi8

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 5h20m

Yield 2 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup water (105 - 115degreesF)
2 cups warm milk
1 teaspoon salt
10 -11 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs, plus
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted
1 teaspoon fresh-grated lemon, rind of
1 large egg, beaten with
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water, add milk and salt.
  • Stir in 3 C flour, batter will be lumpy.
  • Let rise in a warm place about 90 minutes till double in volume.
  • Mix in sugar, eggs, yolks, butter and lemon peel.
  • Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough (7-8C).
  • Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 5- 10 minutes till smooth and elastic.
  • Shape into a ball and place in large greased bowl,turning to bring greased side up.
  • Cover and let rise till doubled, about 60-70 minutes.
  • Punch down dough and knead 1-2 minutes; let rest 10 minutes.
  • Grease 2 bread pans.
  • Cut dough into 2 equal pieces.
  • Cut one piece into 3 equal pieces and roll each into a 15 inch cylinder.
  • Braid the 3 cylinders, pinching the ends to seal.
  • Tuck ends under and place in prepared pan.
  • Repeat with remaining half of dough.
  • Cover loaves and let rise till double in volume, about45 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 350, brush top of loaves with beaten egg, and bake 45- 50 minutes till bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • If bread seems to be getting too brown after 20 minutes or so, cover them loosely with foil.
  • Remove from oven and cool on wire racks 5 minutes.
  • Remove loaves from pans and cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3501.6, Fat 79.6, SaturatedFat 41.9, Cholesterol 870.2, Sodium 1496.5, Carbohydrate 593.1, Fiber 18.9, Sugar 102.2, Protein 95.3

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