1 pkg. yeast
1/4 C. lukewarm water
1/2 C. lukewarm milk
1/2 C. soft butter
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1/4 C. sugar
1 t. salt
3-1/2 to 4 C. flour
1 egg, for glaze
poppy seed or sesame seeds, if desired
1. Dissolve yeast in warm water
2. Stir in milk, butter, eggs, yolk, sugar and salt, then add the flour. Beat until stiff.
3. Turn dough out on a heavily floured surface and kneed for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Put into a greased bowl and butter the top of the dough. Cover and let rise until double, about 1 hour.
5. Knead dough again until all bubbles are removed.
6. Cut into four pieces and roll out. Braid. Brush with beaten egg. Let rise again unti double again, about 30 minutes.
7. Brush again with egg, sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Bake at 375 degrees 30-35 minutes