Kolach (Braided Bread)

Directions

Disolve 1 teaspoon sugar in the water and sprinkle the yeast over it.

Add 1 Tbl of sugar, stir and let stand for 10 minutes.

Combine the yeast with the milk, lightly beaten eggs, salt, 2 tbl sugar, oil, and 3 cups of sifted flour.

Beat until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until light and bubbly, about 1 hour.

Mix in enough of the remaining flour to make a light, slightly sticky dough, then knead in the bowl until smooth and elastic, and leaves the sides of the bowl easily.

Or in the processor, add the yeast mixture to the flour and then add the liquids.

With the machine running, add more flour until a ball forms.

Allow to rest for several minutes.

Process until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Form into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to oil the top.

Cover with a linen dish towl, soaked in hot water and then wrung out until damp only, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.

Punch down and allow to rise again, slightly.

Divide the dough into 3 parts. Divide 1 part into thirds, rolling each into a rope 8 to 10 inches long and 1½ inches thick.

Braid together, starting at the middle and turn the ends under.

Repeat with each of the remaining parts of the dough.

Place the loaves on buttered baking sheets.

Do not crowd, since the loaves will double in size.

Cover with the damp towel and let rise until almost double.

Brush with the egg glaze and sprinkle with the poppy seeds.

Bake in a preheated 375 Degrees F. oven at least 1 hour, or until golden.

Test by rapping the bottom, there should be a nice hollow sound.

Cool on wire racks until cold before cutting.