A special and traditional bread that fills the air with an aroma that has everyone peaking into the oven in anticipation.

Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 2 tsp sugar
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

For the topping:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp water

 

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, add warm water, sugar and active dry yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes. The yeast will dissolve and the water will look cloudy.

 

  1. Stir the mixture gently and then add the salt, honey, eggs and melted butter to the bowl and stir to combine the ingredients.

 

  1. Add the flour and combine.

 

  1. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes and then form into a smooth ball.

 

  1. Place the ball of dough in a greased large bowl. Cover with a cloth and set aside for 1 hour for the dough to rise.

 

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F

 

  1. Once the dough has risen, divide into three equal parts and roll out into long ropes.

 

  1. Press all three ropes together at the top to attach and then braid the ropes of dough.

 

  1. Place the braid on a greased baking sheet.

 

  1. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk and water. Brush the egg wash onto the braid of dough.

 

  1. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.