Zopf Or Braided Bread

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl mix the warm milk, sugar, salt, butter, egg yolk and 200 g flour.
2. 2
   Mix with the hook for 1 minute.
3. 3
   Add the yeast and mix for 2 minutes again.
4. 4
   Add the remaining 300 g flour and work with the hook.
5. 5
   When the dough has pulled together and becomes smooth and elastic (after about 5 minutes) you can form the braid.
6. 6
   Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 60 cm long cylinder (or 3 pieces of 30 cm). Braid the pieces together and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. This is the method that I use: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcPnB0Sgc-Q.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, mix egg white and water and brush the bread with this mixture.
8. 8
   Let the dough rest after forming for 90 minutes until it doubles in size.
9. 9
   Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20 to 25 minutes (heat and timing are basing it on convection oven), until golden.