BRAIDED EASTER BREAD

BRAIDED EASTER BREAD

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
5 whole eggs, dyed if desired
2 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a
small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup
flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the
dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and
elastic, about 8 minutes.
Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp
cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size
rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1
1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for
the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs
between the braids of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover
loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45
minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.


Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until golden. Makes 1 – 1 pound loaf.