Sweet Braided Loaves
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 25 min. + cooling
YIELD: 2 loaves (12 slices each).
“This recipe was handed down from my grandmother. I make it for my family every year for Easter morning.”
—Diane Turner, Brunswick, Ohio
Ingredients
-
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
-
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
-
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
-
1/2 cup sugar
-
1/2 cup butter, softened
-
3 large eggs
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
5-1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup golden raisins
-
GARNISH:
-
1 large egg, lightly beaten
-
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Directions
-
1.
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Stir in raisins.
-
2.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the 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 dough into six portions. Shape each into a 12-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
-
4.
Brush with egg; sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 194 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 93mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
© 2024 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC