Honey Sesame Braid

Making a bread braid is not hard.  It is just like braiding hair, only doughier.

You will cut the dough lengthwise into three narrow pieces, and then squish together at the top firmly.  Now just braid until you get to the bottom.  Turn the ends under and place in your greased pan…perfect!

This is a lightly sweet white bread with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The heavy amount of dairy in here gives it it’s light, delicate texture and tender crumb, almost cake-like.   This recipe makes 3 loaves.

 Honey Sesame Braid 

1 pkg dry yeast

1/2 c warm water

1 1/2 c milk, warm

1/4 c warmed (not hot) honey

1/4 c melted unsalted butter

1 tbs salt

3 eggs-room temp

7-9 cups flour

1 egg white beaten, for wash

a few tablespoons full of sesame seeds

Combine water and yeast.  Set aside to get foamy.

Combine milk, butter, honey, and salt. Cool to lukewarm.

Ad the milk mixture to the yeast mixture.  Mix well and then add flour a little at a time until dough leaves sides of bowl.  Knead  until springy and elastic and no longer sticky.  Set in a greased bowl.  Grease the top and cover with a tea towel.  Set aside in a warm place to rise for  1 1/2 hours.

Punch down.  Shape into loaves or your choice of shapes.   Allow to rise about 1 hour.  Brush with egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown.