Sweet Braided Loaf Recipes

Steps:

• 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, the sugar, salt and dry yeast. Heat milk and melted butter in a saucepan until the milk is warm (not hot.) Add the eggs and warm milk mixture to the flour mixture. Mix very well for 5 minutes using a wire whisk. Then add the remaining flour and mix with a wooden spoon until dough ingredients are evenly combined and stiff. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place in a large buttered bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm place. Allow dough to rise until doubled in bulk 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours
• 2. Punch dough down well. Divide into 3 equal portions and roll each portion into a thin cylinder, about 2 feet long. Braid them together and tuck ends under. Place braid on a large baking sheet that's been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover loaf with buttered plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour.) Remove plastic wrap, and brush with the egg white mixture. Sprinkle generously with the sesame seeds. Bake in 375 F. degree oven to 35 to 40 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped and the bread is a nice golden brown color.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Stir in raisins., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into six portions. Shape each into a 12-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes., Brush with egg; sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Steps:

• Mix together water, warm milk, and yeast.
• Add melted margarine, sugar, salt and flour.
• Knead dough, place in bowl, cover and let rise in warm place 1 hour.
• Divide dough into 6 parts.
• Shape dough into 6 long pieces (length of baking sheet).
• On baking sheet, braid 3 of the pieces together like you would hair, then braid remaining 3 pieces together.
• Cover and let raise 1 more hour.
• Brush beaten egg on top and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.