Braided Poppy Seed Bread

4 Tbs. butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
2 1/4 tsp. yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 1/2 c. flour

In 3 separate small bowls:
1- melt butter and cool to warm
2- combine sugar, salt, and milk; microwave 60 seconds and cool to warm
3- dissolve yeast in warm water; let yeast begin to grow

In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg and contents of the 3 bowls.  Stir in the flour.  Knead 3-5 minutes, until dough is smooth.  Let dough rise 1 hour or until double in size.  Punch down and divide into 3 equal parts.  Gently roll/pull into 3 ropes about 2 feet in length.  Braid the strands together on a greased cookie sheet pan.  Fold under both ends.  Let rise again 1 hour.

Just before baking brush whisked egg white on top and sprinkle with poppy seeds.  Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes.

from: Katie Sherman