By Emma Hiser

This is a favorite bread recipe that my family loves to make for guests or special occasions. It goes well with any event!

Ingredients:

3 cups of flour (with more for adding if needed)
1/4 cup sugar (or honey) + 1 tsp of sugar for “testing” yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
One package quick active yeast
1 cup warm water + 2 tsp of water for “testing” yeast
2 TBSP olive oil
1 large egg

1. In a small bowl, test your yeast: Pour the packet of yeast into a small bowl with 1 tsp of sugar and 2 tsp warm water. Mix with a whisk and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of your flour, all the sugar, and salt. Add in warm water and oil. Mix with a spatula for one minute.
3. Next add in egg and mix for another minute.
4. If your yeast bowl is bubbly and foamy, you know that it is good yeast!  Add the entire bowl to the large bowl and mix again.
5. Add 1 1/2 cups (remaining) flour and mix again for one minute. (If you need to add in more flour, go ahead and do so. This dough should be soft, stretchy, and not too sticky).
6. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
7. Place the dough ball into an oiled bowl, rolling it to cover it with the oil, and cover to rest for one hour, or until doubled.
8. After an hour of rest, punch down the dough and roll into one long tube.
9. Cut the tube into three equal pieces and braid the strands. Place the braided dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet and let rest covered for one more hour.
10. Uncover and bake the braided dough at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

About the Chef

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