...risen, brushed with egg, sprinkled with almonds (or pecans) and ready to pop into the oven.
TA-DAH! So pretty and delicious!
Ingredients:
1 T active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110-114 degrees)
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
5 1/2-6 cups flour butter
GARNISH:
1 egg, beaten
2 T+ pecans (or almonds, both are very good, but I think I like pecans)
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and 3 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough in to six portions. Shape each into a 12-in. rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining ropes. Baste with about 1/4 cup melted butter. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Brush gently with egg; sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and gently brush/dab with an additional 1/4 cup butter. Cool on wire racks.
Basting with butter before rising and after removing from oven is purely optional. If serving for guests, I think it's a must because it tastes amazing, but if you're looking to save a few calories you can absolutely do without!