Sweet Braided Bread

 
This recipe is similar to Challah (Jewish egg bread).  It is a deliciously sweet bread that is absolutely beautiful.  My kids like a little cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top before baking.  These loaves are great for gifts or to serve to company. 

Sweet Braided Bread

Ingredients:

1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 c warm water
1 c milk
1/4 c honey
1/4 c sugar
1/3 c butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1/4 c water
3 eggs
5-1/2 to 6 cups flour

1 egg
1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds, or cinnamon sugar (optional)

Directions:

1.  Combine yeast and warm water and let sit for a few minutes to proof. 
2.  Heat milk to almost boiling.  Combine milk, honey, sugar, butter, salt, and water.  Add eggs and mix well.
3.  Add yeast mixture and 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth.  Gradually add remaining flour.   
4.  Knead dough for 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with dough hook on electric mixer until dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour if dough is too sticky.
5.  Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place dough in bowl.  Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.  Punch dough down and turn over.  Let rise another 30 minutes. 
6.  Divide dough into 2 equal balls.  Divide each ball into 3 pieces and roll each piece into a rope about 15 inches long.  Lay 3 ropes side by side on greased cookie sheet and braid together.  Pinch the ends and turn under.  Repeat with the remaining 3 ropes. 
7.  Cover the loaves with a towel and let rise in a warm place about 30 minutes. 

8.  Beat remaining egg and brush over the loaves.  Sprinkle with seeds or cinnamon sugar, if desired.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap the top.