We are so fortunate to have friendly and kind neighbours who introduced themselves by leaving warm bread on our doorstep.  As you can imagine it has since created a great relationship with them and I thought this bread is the perfect loaf to be placed into our Easter blessing basket.

Makes 2 loaves

Ingredients

210 ml lukewarm water

1 ½ tsp instant yeast

2 Tbsp honey

2 eggs, plus 1 yolk

190 ml neutral flavoured oil

1 tsp salt

3 ½ - 4 cups (600g) flour

Method

In a large bowl add the lukewarm water, sprinkle over the yeast and stir to dissolve.

Add the honey, 1 egg and 1 egg yolk (keep remaining for glazing the bread).

Add the oil and salt.

Add 1 cup of the flour and begin mixing all the ingredients together (can be done in an electric mixer).  

Continue adding flour and kneading until you get a smooth and elastic dough which is no longer sticky,  (You may find that you need all the flour or you may find you don’t).

Cover with a damp clean cloth and sit in a warm place until doubled in size (1 ½ -2 hours).

Knock back the risen dough with your hands, turn out onto a lightly floured bench.

Divide the dough into 2 even sized portions.

Knead each portion of dough for 5 minutes, adding a dusting of flour if needed to prevent sticking.

Preheat the oven 190C

Divide each ball of dough into thirds and roll into long lengths (25-30cm long).  Pinch the end of the 3 lengths together and form a plait.  Secure the ends and place onto baking sheet. Repeat with the other dough.

Allow to prove until well risen.

Beat the remaining egg lightly, brush gently over the bread.  You can sprinkle it with poppy seeds, sea salt, and sesame seeds.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bread is golden and when tapped on the bottom it has a hollow sound.

Cool before eating.