Onion Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a bread bowl, pour 2 cups warm water.
2. 2
   Add 1 tsp sugar, but do not stir.
3. 3
   Slowly sprinkle 2 tbsp yeast into the water, making sure each particle gets wet.
4. 4
   Again, do not stir.
5. 5
   Wait 10 minutes until the yeast is thick and foamy.
6. 6
   While you are waiting, saute the onions in butter until they start to brown.
7. 7
   Set aside to cool.
8. 8
   Then add the following to your bread bowl, stirring well between each addition: eggs, salt, remaining sugar, 1 cup flour, melted shortening and onions.
9. 9
   Add remaining flour 1 cup at a time to make a moderately soft dough.
10. 10
    Make sure the dough has a light coating of flour before turning it out.
11. 11
    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smopoth and elastic: 10-12 minutes.
12. 12
    Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn to grease the top, allow to rise until double in a warm, draft-free place for 1 1/2 hours.
13. 13
    Punch down and cut into 2 pieces.
14. 14
    Shape into loafs.
15. 15
    Place into 8x4x3 pans that have been greased.
16. 16
    Place in a warm, draft-free place until double in bulk, approximately 30 minutes.
17. 17
    Brush with egg wash just before baking and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
18. 18
    Bake loaves in 400* oven for 30 minutes.