A Number-One Egg Bread
Description
Egg bread is delicious on its own, but this slightly sweet Hawaiian concoction is sublime when used for French toast, bread pudding, or fondue.
Ingredients
•
2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
•
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
•
6 large egg yolks
•
4 large eggs, at room temperature, divided
•
1/2 cup vegetable oil
•
1/4 cup white sugar
•
1 teaspoon salt
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4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
•
1 pinch salt
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients.
2
Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in egg yolks, 3 whole eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Mix in 3 ½ cups of flour to make a sticky dough.
4
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with remaining 1 cup flour until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes.
5
Transfer dough to a well-oiled bowl and turn until entire surface is coated with oil.
6
Cover dough with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 ½ hours.
7
Punch down the dough and divide into thirds. Roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch long rope.
8
Braid the three strands together and seal the ends.
9
Transfer dough to a greased cookie sheet. Whisk remaining egg with a pinch of salt; brush on top and sides of bread. Set egg wash aside.
10
Let dough rise until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes.
11
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush bread again with egg wash.
12
Bake bread in the preheated oven until golden, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.