ST JOSEPH BREAD RECIPES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the water, yeast, shortening, sugar, oil and salt.
• Let stand for 5 minutes.
• In a large mixer bowl, put 2 1/2 cups of the flour, add liquid (yeast) mixture.
• Beat by hand or on low speed of electric mixer until all ingredients are well blended.
• Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes of kneading).
• Shape dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl.
• Turn dough once to grease all surfaces.
• Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled (about 40-60 minutes).
• Punch down dough, and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
• Cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Roll each piece (by hand) into a 12 inch long rope.
• Using 3 ropes for each loaf, braid the dough and secure the ends of the braid by tucking the ends underneath.
• Place the braids on greased baking sheets.
• Cover the braids, and let rise until nearly doubled (about 30-45 minutes).
• Brush top and sides of loaves with the beaten egg.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Bake in a 400°F oven for 25 minutes, or until bread tests done and is golden brown.
• Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, butter, sugar, olive oil and salt. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Place 2 1/2 cups of the flour in a large mixing bowl and add the above liquid mixture to the flour, beating on low until thoroughly blended. Add as much of the remaining flour as necessary to make a nice bread dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6 â?? 8 minutes. Shape into a ball, place into a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rest for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Punch the dough down and divide into six equal size pieces. Cover and let the pieces rest for 10 minutes. Roll each of the pieces into a 12â? long rope. Use 3 ropes per loaf of bread, braid and secure the ends. Place the braided loaf onto a greased baking sheet, cover and let rest 1/2 hour. Preheat oven to 400 F. Uncover the bread and brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 25 minutes, until golden. Let cool and ENJOY!