Breads Recipes - Plaited Loaf

Ingredients

• 15ml/1 tbsp active dried yeast

• 5ml/1 tsp honey

• 250ml/1 cup lukewarm milk

• 50g/4 tbsp butter, melted

• 425g/3 3/4 cups strong flour

• 5ml/1 tsp salt

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 egg yolk, beaten with 5ml/1 tsp milk, to glaze

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Method:

1. Combine the yeast, honey, milk and butter. Stir and leave for 15 minutes to dissolve.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a central well; add the yeast mixture and egg. With a wooden spoon, stir from the centre, gradually incorporating the flour, to obtain a rough dough.

3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a clean bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Grease a baking sheet. Punch down the dough and divide into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long thin strip. Begin plaiting with the centre strip, tucking in the ends. Cover loosely and leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Brush the bread with the egg and milk glaze and bake until golden, about 40-45 minutes. Turn out on to a wire rack to cool.