60-MINUTE EGG BRAID

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided use
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages Fleischmann’s RapidRise Yeast
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon cold milk
Sesame seeds

Set aside 1 cup flour. In large bowl, mix remaining flour, sugar, salt and yeast; set aside.

In saucepan, heat milk, eater and margarine until hot to touch (125 to 130 degrees F); stir into dry mixture. Mix in eggs and only enough reserved flour to make soft dough.

On floured surface, knead 4 minutes. Divide dough in 6 equal pieces; roll each into a 12-inch rope. Braid 3 ropes; seal ends. repeat with remaining 3 ropes. Place on greased baking sheet; cover. Place baking sheet over shallow pan; let rise 15 to 20 minutes.

Beat egg yolk with cold milk; brush on loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes or until done. Remove bread from baking sheet; cool on wire rack.

Makes 2 loaves
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: The Best of Country Baking Recipes. Classic Recipe Series No. 2, 1987