Braided Bread with Sesame Seeds

1 pkg of quick rise yeast

4 tbsp of butter, shortening, lard or oil

1 1/4 cups of warm water (not hot)

2 tbsp of sugar

2 tsp salt

3 cups flour

sesame seeds, a beaten egg and butter to soften after its baked

Directions

Mix together, shortening, salt, yeast, only 1/2 the flour so 1 1/12 cups add warm water and beat by hand for 300 strokes or using an electric mixer for about 3 minutes Add remaining flour. and mix together until smooth.

Cover with a clean tea towel and let rise for about 1/2 hour then beat down and knead for about 3-5 minutes.

Divide into 3 parts and make snakes like you did with playdough when you were a kid.

pinch together on one end and braid, when you come to the end pinch and fold under. Place on greased pan and brush with beaten egg. sprinkle sesame seeds on and let rise in the oven of warm with a small pan of water on the side. Let rise until double in size and bake at a then turn on the oven to 375 and bake 30 minutes. When ready place on cooling rack and brush on some butter to soften the top. I just take a small chuck of butter in a napkin or plastic wrap and rub it on. It melts. This is awesome bread. I served it with some homemade split green pea soup.

1. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise until doubled in volume.
2. Stir dough down gently, and spoon into a lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pan (the batter should be sticky). Pat down with floured hands to help shape. Cover again, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Bake for about 45 minutes. Place on a cooling rack, and brush top with melted butter.