Yogurt Rye Bread

Directions

1. 1
   IN A LARGE MIXING BOWL, stir the warm water and yeast together, and let stand for a minute or so to dissolve.
2. 2
   Stir in the yogurt, 9-grain cereal, bran flakes, salt, butter, rye flour and 1 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour.
3. 3
   Beat vigorously until well blended.
4. 4
   Add enough all-purpose flour to make a manageable dough, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. 5
   Knead for a few minutes, then let rest for 10 minutes.
6. 6
   Resume kneading for a good 10 minutes, until the dough is elastic, sprinkling on a little more all-purpose flour as necessary to keep it from being too sticky.
7. 7
   Knead in the fennel seeds.
8. 8
   Place in a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean damp cloth, and let rise until double in bulk.
9. 9
   Punch the dough down and divide into 3 equal parts.
10. 10
    Roll each piece into a long round strand about 3/4 inch thick, making them all the same length.
11. 11
    Pinch the strands together at one end, and braid.
12. 12
    When you've finished braiding, pinch both ends together firmly and tuck them under a bit, to give the loaf a neat look.
13. 13
    Transfer to a baking sheet that's been sprinkled with the cornmeal, cover loosely, and let rise again until double in bulk.
14. 14
    Brush with the egg-yolk mixture, and bake in a preheated 350F (180C) oven for 45 minutes.
15. 15
    Remove from the sheet and cool on a rack.