Braided Yeast Loaf

Ingredients make 1 loaf:

1 tbsp active dried yeast
1 tsp honey
1 cup lukewarm milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 1/2 cups white bread flour
1 tsp salt
1 egg lightly beaten with 1 tsp milk, for glazing

Instructions:

1. Combine the yeast, honey, milk and butter. Stir and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the center, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a rough dough.

3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Grease a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll to shape each piece into a long, thin strip.

5. Begin braiding the the center strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the bread in a cool place while the oven heats. Brush with the glaze and bake until golden, 40-45 minutes. Place on a rack to cool.

This was pretty easy to make and very good! It is especially good warm with a little bit of butter, but what isn't good with a little bit of butter! ;) Hope you enjoy as much as we did!