Zupfa-Braided Bread

A long time holiday tradition (makes 2 loaves)
4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups sifted flour
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 packages yeast (2 T.)
1 cube BUTTER
1 cup very hot water (I add 1/3 c. dry powdered milk)
4 eggs plus 1 egg white AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
1 tsp. cold water
1 egg yolk for brushing on rising loaves

Mix 1 1/4 cups flour, sugar, salt, dry milk powder and undisolved yeast. Add softened butter.Gradually add very hot water to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed on mixer.
Add 4 eggs and 1 egg white and 1/2 cup flour, or enough flour to make a thick batter.Beat at high speed 2 minutes.
Stir in enough additional flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out onto lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
Cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk (about 40 minutes if using quick rise yeast).Punch down dough; turn out onto lightly floured board.
Divide dough in half and cut each half in thirds.Braid three pieces into braid, making 2 braids. Seal ends securely.
Beat together remaining egg yolk and tsp. of water and brush loaves with egg mixture.Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Poppy seeds, if desired and let rise again.
Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove from baking sheets and cool on racks.

Posted by-Mom