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:
- 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.
- Stir the mixture gently and then add the salt, honey, eggs and melted butter to the bowl and stir to combine the ingredients.
- Add the flour and combine.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes and then form into a smooth ball.
- 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.
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F
- Once the dough has risen, divide into three equal parts and roll out into long ropes.
- Press all three ropes together at the top to attach and then braid the ropes of dough.
- Place the braid on a greased baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk and water. Brush the egg wash onto the braid of dough.
- Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.