Braided Sesame Wreath

Name: Braided Sesame Wreath
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 1 loaf.
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk plus 2 tablespoons warm milk (110° to 115°); 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; TOPPING:; 1 egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

"Knead" a gift better that store-bought? This is the all-time favorite bread of everyone I know-and I bake all kinds. I garnish my buttery wreaths with festive fabric bows.

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk plus 2 tablespoons warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the butter, sugar, egg, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
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.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Shape each portion into a 22-in. braid; pinch ends together to form a ring. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 218 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Originally published as Braided Sesame Wreath in Country Woman Christmas 2003

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Average Rating:

grannygourmet

Jan 1, 2012

This bread is a snap to make and makes a beautiful presentation. I would adjust the flour, however, as I needed much less than indicated. It should read more like 3 to 3 1/2 cups for a soft dough.