Golden Sesame Braid Recipes

SESAME WHEAT BRAIDS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Stir in whole wheat flour; let stand until the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes. , In a small bowl, beat eggs and water. Remove 2 tablespoons to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Add remaining egg mixture and salt to batter; mix until smooth. Add 4 cups all-purpose flour and beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down and divide in half. Divide each half into thirds., Shape each into a rope about 15 in. long. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch each end firmly and tuck under., Repeat, placing second braid on the same baking sheet. Brush braids with the reserved egg mixture; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to cool on a wire rack.

BRAIDED SESAME SEED BREAD

Steps:

• Into hot milk, stir sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup butter.
• Cool to lukewarm.
• Sprinkle yeast over warm water in bowl.
• Stir to dissolve.
• Stir in lukewarm milk mixture.
• Add 2 eggs and 3 cups flour and beat at high speed for 2 minutes.
• With a wooden spoon gradually beat in 3 1/2 cups flour and mix with hand until dough is stiff enough to leave the side of the bowl.
• Knead for 10 minutes or until elastic.
• Place dough in lightly greased large bowl.
• Turn dough over to bring up greased side.
• Cover with towel and let rise for 1 1/2 hours in warm place.
• Divide dough in half and cut each half into thirds.
• Roll each third into 26" long strips.
• Braid three strips and pinch ends together.
• On a large greased cookie sheet, form braid into a ring (6 inches in diameter).
• Mix egg with 2 tablespoons water and brush top.
• Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
• Let rise 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375.
• Brush with rest of egg mixture and put sesame or poppy seeds on top.
• Bake 45 minutes or until golden brown.

ITALIAN SESAME BREAD

Steps:

• Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients by hand, mixer, bread machine or food processor until you've made a smooth, elastic dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch log, tapering the ends slightly. Place the logs on a lightly greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Braid them loosely; pinch the ends together, and tuck them under.
• Brush some of the beaten egg white over the braid; reserving the remainder. Cover the braid and allow it to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it's almost doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 400° degrees. Brush the braid again with some of the remaining egg white and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake the braid for 20 to 25 minutes, until it's golden brown. (Tent it lightly with aluminum foil after 15 minutes, if it appears to be browning too quickly.).
• Remove the braid from the oven, and cool it on a wire rack.