- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 1 Loaf
INGREDIENTS:
MAKES 1 LOAF
- 15ml/1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 5ml/1 tsp honey
- 250ml/8fl oz/1 cup lukewarm milk
- 50g/2oz/¼ cup butter, melted
- 425g/15oz/3½ cups strong white bread flour
- 5ml/1 tsp salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 egg yolk beaten with 5ml/1 tsp milk, for glazing.
STEPS:
- Combine the yeast, honey, milk and butter. Stir and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the center, incorporating flour with each turn, to obtain a rough dough.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1½ hours.
- Grease a baking sheet. Knock back (punch down) the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll to shape each piece into a long, thin strip.
- Begin braiding with the center strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5. Place the bread in a cool place while the oven heats. Brush with the glaze and bake until golden, 40-45 minutes. Turn out on to a rack to cool.