3 Plait Loaf

Ingredients:

310ml warm / tepid water
2tsp dried yeast
1tsp caster sugar
450g plain flour
30g butter chopped
1tsp salt
1 egg yolk
1 tbs milk

Method:

 1. Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a jug until frothy. Then preheat the oven to 220C.

2. Place the flour in a large bowl and add the butter, rub the butter and flour in your finger tips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the salt and combine to the mixture. Then make a well in the center of the mix and pour in the yeast mixture, mixing constantly with a fork. Once the yeast is combined in use your hands to form a dough.

3. Then turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for at least 15 minutes, until the dough is elastic and smooth to the touch. Place in a large bowl over the oven or in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size. That will be at least an hour.

4. Knock back the dough on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes. Until it returns to it's original size.

5. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Then divide the dough into 3 equal portions and roll into sausages until about 30 cm long and 5 cm wide. Place on the tray and create a plait tucking the ends underneath the loaf.

6. Combine the egg and milk together in a small glass, then with a pastry brush lightly coat the bread with the mixture. bake for 10 minutes at 220C then lower the temperature to 180C for a further 20 minutes until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on its underside.

Best served warm. Happy Baking ! Beth x

Categories: Bread