Handmade Bread

Tsoureki - Greek Bread

1 1/2 cup milk

2 cups sugar

2 tsp salt

1 cup butter

1 cup warm water

4 pkgs of yeast( fast active) 

6 egg yolks

4 whole eggs

2 tbs grated lemon

9 1/2 cups unsifted flour 

1 tbs mastiha ( pound to powder) 

Egg mixture: 1 egg and 1 tsp water

Heat milk. Remove from heat, add sugar, salt and butter, stir until butter is melted. 

Cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in milk mixture ( make sure milk mixture is not hot or it will kill the yeast and dough will not rise) 

Beat eggs and add them into mixture. Beat eggs and add them into mixture and add lemon and mastiha. Add the flour, mixing in with hand or a hand mixer at medium setting. Knead ( using dough hook if using  mixer) in enough flour to make a moderately soft dough. Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl ( I use a basin) cover with plastic wrap (spray with oil so it don't stick). Let it rise to double and shape like challah bread (braid). 

In the oven, cover the to with baking pan to prevent bread from getting burn too quickly. Place bread in the center. Bake at 350 deg F for 35 - 40 mins or stick comes out dry. 

Brush bread with egg mixture. Let stand in oven until egg mixture is absorbed. 

Recipe makes 5 of the disposable loaf pans or two 14 inch round pans. Enjoy! 

Courtesy of Andra Fotopoulos (my Greek family)