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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 40 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Knead a gift better that store-bought? This is the all-time favorite bread of everyone I know-and I bake all kinds. I garnish my buttery wreaths with festive fabric bows. Ingredients:
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast |
1 cup warm milk plus 2 tablespoons warm milk (110° to 115°) |
1/4 cup butter, melted |
1/4 cup sugar |
1 egg |
1 teaspoon salt |
4 to 4-1/2 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
topping: |
1 egg, beaten |
1 teaspoon sesame seeds |
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the butter, sugar, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Shape each portion into a 22-in. braid; pinch ends together to form a ring. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf.
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