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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes |
Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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This lovely braided loaf has parsley flakes in the dough, and is sprinkled with sesame seeds just prior to baking. Brushed with egg wash, it makes a lovely and delicious addition to the holiday feast table. Ingredients:
prep time does not include proofing time... proofing takes about 1 hour. |
about 6 cups best-for-bread flour |
3/4 cup water (warm, for yeast) |
1 tsp salt |
1 pkg active dry yeast |
2 tsp sugar (for yeast activation) |
1/4 cup olive or canola oil |
1/2 cup parsley flakes |
4 eggs |
1 egg additional for wash |
Directions:
1. Make the basic bread dough, combining the worked yeast, oil, and eggs by adding to the dry ingredients.
2. Combine thoroughly, then let it rest about 10 minutes.
3. Now knead for at least 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and blistered.
4. Place in a bowl and put it into a warmed (then turned OFF) oven to proof for about one hour, or until the dough is doubled in bulk.
5. When doubled, punch down, and knead another few minutes.
6. Cut the dough slab into three pieces about the same size equally.
7. Form into three uniform strips.
8. Braid the dough like you would braid a child's hair, tucking in ends.
9. Transfer to baking sheet.
10. Brush liberally with egg wash.
11. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of loaf
12. Allow to proof until doubled in bulk and width, as this loaf will spread over the pan as well as rise nicely.
13. When doubled, bake for 30 to 35 minutes 360*F or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
14. Cool on the baking sheet before removing.
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