Celebration Bread

It is truly a celebration when I make this at my house. It doesn’t take long to devour in a day! We are big “carb” eaters around here, so I try not to make it very often. Not only is it tasty, it’s presentation is lovely. I got the original recipe from Taste of Home and made a few of my own adaptations to it.

Prep Time: approx. 35 Min + rising  Cook Time: 20 Min + cooling Servings: 32

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups bread flour (or wheat flour)
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tsp. salt (optional desired toppings i.e. cheese, sesame seeds, bacon bits, cinnamon/sugar)

Directions: 

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the butter, sugar, salt, eggs and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. (Note: Dough will be sticky.)
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into four pieces. Shape each piece into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes parallel to each other on a greased baking sheet.
4. Beginning from the right side, braid dough by placing the first rope over the second rope, under the third and over the fourth. Repeat three or four times, beginning each time from the right side. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
5. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over braid. Sprinkle with desired topping. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Enjoy!

With all of my recipes I post, I hope you try it and let me know how it turns out!!

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