Swiss Braided Bread (Zopf)

Makes 6 Loaves

Ingredients:

3 Cups Milk
1 Stick Butter
1 Cup Warm Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
4 teaspoons Salt
4 Tablespoons Dry Yeast
6 Eggs (beaten)
5 Cups Flour
4-5 Additional Cups Flour

Directionos:

1. in sauce pan, warm milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is warm
2. in a large bowl, add water, sugar, salt and yeast. let sit until foamy
3. add beaten eggs to yeast mixture and beat thoroughly
4. add 5 cups flour until well blended. add milk mixture and blend
5. add additional flour, one cup at a time, until easily handled dough forms
6. kneed dough until smooth and springy
7. let rise 30 minutes
8. turn out and kneed dough again, let rise again
9. divide into 12 equal portions
10. roll on lightly floured board until 12 inches long
11. braid dough and place in greased loaf pan, let rise for 30-45 minutes
12. bake at 400 F for 20-25 minutes