Hungarian Braided White Bread Food

HUNGARIAN COUNTRY BREAD

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in water (if using dry yeast, follow instructions).
• Add most of the flour and the salt.
• Knead vigorously by hand for 5-10 minutes.
• Let rise, covered, to double size (1-2 hours).
• Heat the oven to 450 deg F/ 230 deg C.
• Knead again, vigorously, for 5 minutes.
• Shape one big, round loaf and put on a greased baking tray.
• Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
• Make a few cuts in the loaf with a razorblade.
• Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
• Reduce heat to 400/200 deg and bake another one hour.
• The crust should become quite brown.
• Turn off the oven, take out the bread, and brush the bread with water.
• Put it back in the oven for 15 minutes.
• Let cool uncovered.

HUNGARIAN BRAIDED WHITE BREAD

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let stand until creamy, about 15 minutes.
• Mix the egg, egg yolks, sugar, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the egg, egg yolks, sugar, salt and 3 cups of the flour; stir until well combined. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes.
• Turn out onto a floured bread board, and cut into 2 equal parts. Form into cylindrical loaves; let rest for 20 minutes. Divide each loaf in half and roll into a long rope for braiding. Fasten the 4 ends together. Braid. End by fastening the ends, and turning each end under the loaf. Place on cookie sheet, and cover with a towel until doubled in size, about 40 minutes.
• Brush risen loaf with a beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until golden brown.