Zopf (Braided Bread)

Zopf (Braided Bread)

3 3/4 cups (500g) Flour
1/2 tbps (9g) salt
.6 oz cube (18g) cake yeast, crumbled
2 tsp (25g) sugar
1 cup (250ml) milk, lukewarm
1/3 cup (70g) butter, softened
1 egg
1 tbsp (15ml) cream


1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, form a well;pour in milk mixture. Stir until the dough has pulled together, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
2. Return to bowl, and let rise until doubled (about 2 hours).
3. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 14 inch long cylinder. Braid the pieces together, tucking under the ends, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise again, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. In a small bowl, beat together egg and cream. Brush risen loaf with egg wash and bake for 35 to 45, until golden.


We made this bread on a Saturday night, as braided bread is a Sunday breakfast specialty here, just the two of us. Now, I have never made bread by myself so I was a little worried about it turning out. Well, I had nothing to worry about. I had the big, strong man power to help with the kneading, and with little tips here and there. We made a double recipe, and, man, did it make a huge loaf, but it turned out beautifully. Now, the only challenge is how to eat it all.


En guete!

Update: 
This morning we finally used up the rest of the bread. I made some fabulous French Toast with the stale remnants (well, most of it, the rest, and driest, is going to feed the local ducks). It is the first totally from scratch french toast. It won't be the last...


French Toast (for 2)

2 eggs
2 tbsp (25g) sugar
pinch of salt
dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
1/2 cup (125ml) milk or half & half
2-3 thick slices of good bread 

1. Beat egg with sugar, salt and spice. Mix in milk till combined.
2. Soak the bread in the egg mixture, till thoroughly coated.
3. Butter a griddle, and cook over medium heat till golden brown on both sides.