Sesame Braids
Ingredients
•Active dry yeast…………………¼ oz or 7 gm
•Warm water………………………¼ C
•Warm milk ………………………..1 C
•Butter, softened ………………….3 Tbsp
•Sugar ……………………………….1 Tbsp
•Salt ………………………………….1 ½ Tsp
•Yogurt ………………………………3 Tbsp
•All purpose flour ………………..4 C
Topping:
•Cornstarch……………. 1 ½ Tsp
•Cold water …………… 2 Tbsp
•Sesame seeds ………. 1 Tbsp
Preparation
1) In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, salt, yogurt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2) Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3) Punch down the dough and divide into three equal parts. Shape each part into a 12-inch rope. Place the three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; press each end to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled,
about 1 hour.
4) Combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth in consistency; brush over braids. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 425 F/200 C for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and cool. Cut in 1-inch thick slices. They can be grilled, toasted or even just simply served with butter. For a full meal, accompany them with a hearty soup and a crisp salad.
Yield
One Loaf
By Anand Lila Devi Dasi
