Braided Egg Bread

This bread is visually stimulating as well as yummy. Generally you can just do the egg wash on top and not worry about any extra seasoning. you can do amny things to add flavor, or just leave it plain! i sometimes will shred up some cheese (like sharp cheddar or swiss) and mix it into the dough. ooooh it is sooooooo good. This does require some artistic technique, and you can braid the bread into a round if you wish :-) Be sure to be precise on ingredient measure, and water temperature when you proof the yeast.


Ingredients:
3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups All-Purpose flour
1 TBsp sugar
1 package (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast -OR- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast if you get the big bag or jar like i do
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup water
3 TBsp oil (I usually use canola or vegetable oil)
2 eggs

Topping:
1 egg
1 tsp water
parmesan cheese (optional)
dash of garlic (optional)
dash of Italian seasoning (optional)
dash of paprika (optional)

Modifications:
to the dough I add a couple dashes of garlic, basil, onion powder and a couple of tablespoons of tomato or pizza sauce.

Method:
1) In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups four, the sugar, yeast and salt (you can add the tomato and any other modification at this step ). In a pan, heat the water and oil to 120-130 degreed F. Add this to the dry ingredients along with the eggs. beat at medium speed for about 3 minutes. Slowly add in enough remaining flour until you get a soft dough. (I use the dough hook attachment for my kitchen-aid mixer for this task)

2) Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. cover with a clean white towel and let sit in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.

3) Punch dough down. turn again onto a lightly floured surface. cut one-third of the dough and set aside. divide the remaining dough into thirds and shape each piece into 13-inch ropes. place on a greased baking sheet and braid. pinch ends to seal.

4) divide the reserved dough into three pieces and shape into 14-inch ropes. braid the ropes and set this braid on top of the other one, pinching them together and tucking under. Cover once again and let rise until doubled.

5) Beat remaining egg with 1tsp water and brush over dough. Sprinkle with seasonings if desired. Bake at 375F for 15 minutes, then cover loosely with foil, and bake another 15 minutes. when done remove from pan and place on a wire rack to cool.