Braided Bread

This is the family favorite bread for every major holiday. The leftovers (if you have any) make for great French toast!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees)

• 2 packages of active yeast (not instant)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 butter, softened

• 1 egg

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 6-6 1/2 cups flour

Directions:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it time to activate, it should look slightly foamy/bubbly. About 3-5 minutes

2. Add the sugar, butter, and egg to the bowl and turn the mixer on a low speed.

3. Combine the salt and the flour and then add it to the mixer until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add small amounts of flour.

4. In a large greased bowl, add the dough and turn it to coat in oil. Cover loosely with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for two hours.

5. Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 3 equal dough balls. Working one at a time, create 3 long ropes about the size of your sheet pan. See picture below.

6. Connect the three ropes at the top and braid the dough, connecting it at the bottom as well. Place the braided bread on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and cover it with a damp towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 2+ hours, or until it has doubled in size.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, then cover it loosely with foil and bake another 10 minutes.

8. While the bread is still warm, spread butter over the bread, slice and serve!