Bread
Description
Homemade bread with a crispy, golden crust will taste better to you than store-bought. Serve cooled or slightly warm.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. In a small bowl, beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a lid, and refrigerate until needed. Pour boiling water over the butter pieces in a measuring cup. Let stand until the butter melts. Then add room-temperature water, two whole eggs, and the remaining egg yolk. Mix well and set aside. In a bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the egg mixture and beat with a mixer at low speed. Increase speed to medium and continue beating for 5–8 minutes, until you obtain a slightly sticky dough. If necessary, add an additional half cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- 2
Step 2
2. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a lid, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1–1½ hours. After this time, knead the dough 1–2 times, cover again, and let rise once more for 1 hour. After the second rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. The larger piece should make up 2/3 of the dough, and the smaller piece 1/3.
- 3
Step 3
3. Divide each piece of dough into 3 equal parts. Set aside the smaller pieces. Roll the larger pieces into long ropes 40 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter. Join the three ropes together at the top and begin braiding by alternating the strands.
- 4
Step 4
4. When you finish braiding the braid, join the ends of the strands together again. Repeat this process with small pieces of dough to create another braid of the same length.
- 5
Step 5
5. Carefully place the large braid onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- 6
Step 6
6. Brush the top with beaten egg white. Carefully place the smaller braid on top of the larger braid. Cover the bread with a dry towel and let it rise until the dough becomes slightly lighter in color, about 45 minutes.
- 7
Step 7
7. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Brush the top of the bread with the remaining egg white. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.