Swiss Egg Braid

Name: Swiss Egg Braid
Ingredients: 4 cups milk; 2 packages dry yeast; 1/3 cup warm water (105° to 115°); 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided; 14 1/2 to 15 cups all-purpose flour, divided; 6 eggs, beaten; 1 cup shortening, melted; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon water; Butter or margarine, melted

11 ingredients

7 steps

Ingredients

4 cups milk
2 packages dry yeast
1/3 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
14 1/2 to 15 cups all-purpose flour, divided
6 eggs, beaten
1 cup shortening, melted
2 teaspoons salt
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon water
Butter or margarine, melted

Directions

1

Scald milk; let cool to lukewarm (105° to 115°). Dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand 5 minutes or until bubbly.
2

Combine milk, dissolved yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 3 cups flour in a large bowl; stir well. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
3

Stir mixture down. Add 4 cups flour, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, shortening, and salt; mix well. Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
4

Turn dough out onto a floured surface; knead 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top; cover.
5

Let dough rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 10 minutes.
6

Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Divide each portion into 3 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a 12-inch rope. Braid ropes, pinching ends to seal. Place braided loaf in a greased 9- x 5- x 3-inch loaf pan. Repeat procedure with remaining 3 portions of dough.
7

Cover and repeat rising procedure 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Combine egg yolk and water; beat well, and gently brush over top of loaves. Bake at 325° for 45 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Remove bread from pans immediately; cool on wire, racks. Brush with melted butter.