A Braided Egg Bread Just For You

Once again, the weekend is here. It’s a time to kick back, relax and experiment a bit in the kitchen. If you feel like trying something new this weekend, the braided egg bread might be just the right fit for you.

INGREDIENTS

• 31/4 to 33/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 tsp canola oil
• 2 eggs

TOPPING

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp water
• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

METHOD

1. In a large bowl, combine 2-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients along with eggs. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a lightly 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 1-1/2 hours.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Set a third of the dough aside. Divide remaining dough into three pieces. Shape each into a 13-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
4. Divide reserved dough into three equal pieces; shape each into a 14-in. rope. Braid ropes. Centre 14-in. braid on top of the shorter braid. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, beat egg and water; brush over dough. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).