pat's Recipe

French Cheese Braid (winner)

Category: BREADS

1 tablespoon yeast

3/4 cup warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3 eggs

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 1/2 to 4 cups flour

6 ounces Swiss or Gruyere cheese, diced

1/4 cup oil

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons water

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl. Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, butter and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl; turn greased side up. Cover; let rise in warm place until double in size (1 to 2 hours). Punch down dough; knead in cheese until well distributed.

Divide into 3 equal parts. Role each part into a rope 15 inches long. Place ropes together on lightly greased cookie sheet. Braid ropes gently and loosely; do not stretch. Pinch ends to fasten; tuck under securely. Brush lightly with oil. Let rise until double, 40 to 50 minutes.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat egg yolk and water slightly, brush over braid. Place on oven rack below center of oven. Bake until braid sounds hollow when tapped, 25 to 30 minutes.

Makes 1 loaf.