Savor the Flavor

Greek Sweet Bread (Tsoureki)

Ingredients: 1 package rapid rise yeast 1 tsp. sugar 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees) 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp. salt 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose OR bread flour Vegetable spray 1 egg 1 tsp. water 1 tsp. sesame seeds OR poppy seeds

Instructions: Dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warmwater. Let stand 5 minutes. Should foam up. Combine oil, 1/2 cup warm water, 1/4 cup sugar, eggs and salt. Beat on medium speed with electric mixer until blended. Add yeast mixture and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir remaining flour to make soft dough. Cover bowl and let rest 10 minutes. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead five minutes. ‘Spray another bowl with veg spray. Shape dough into a ball and put in bowl--spray top with vegetable oil. Cover with towels. Let rise 1 to 1-1/2 hours in warm oven 85 degrees until double in bulk. (I turn on oven for one minute them turn off. Then I put the dough in.) Punch down dough and knead a few times. Divide dough into thirds. Shape into three ropes (14 inches). Place ropes on cookie sheet, spray with Pam. Pinch ropes at end to seal and braid together. Spray again. Let rise 30 to 40 minutes or doubled. Beat 1 egg and 1 tsp water. Brush over bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees to 375 for 30 to 35 minutes.

Sophia Rantis, Greece

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