Combine in large bowl:
- 2 pkgs yeast (2 Tablespoons)
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Beat until smooth and let stand 10 minutes in a warm place.
Add:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups flour
- 3 Tablespoons shortening
Beat 2 minutes with mixer. Gradually stir in about 3 1/2 cups flour to make a very stiff dough. Kneed about 5 minutes, cover, let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Divide into 3 parts. Roll each part into a rope about 14 inches long. Braid. Tuck ends in. Brush with melted margarine (I don’t like to do this part), sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Place on greased baking sheet. Let rise about 1/2 hour. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.
This is the bread we use to make for Primary teachers. So you can divide to make smaller loaves and still braid it. You can the place smaller loaves on greased baking sheet or mini loaf pans.