INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

The Cook & Kitchen Staff are visiting the Ukraine for the holidays,
and offering you some of that region's most delectable Christmas
recipes.
Since the earliest times, tribes of Ukrainian peoples have inhabited
this naturally abundant corner of the world, with its fertile fields
and rich, dark soil. Living in close harmony with the land, early
Ukrainians had a deep understanding of the power of nature, so it's
only natural that many of their holiday specialty recipes reflect the
natural goodness of the land.
Today, you may find today's recipe served at holiday tables throughout
Kiev, where all Ukrainian family members are made welcome. At the
feasts of the Christmas season, they celebrate the holidays along
with the living, the departed, and the yet-to-be-born.
Makes 3 Loaves
Dissolve sugar in the lukewarm water and sprinkle the yeast over the
top. Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes.
Scald the milk in a large saucepan over medium- high heat and then
let cool to lukewarm, about 110-F degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the warm milk,
eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Add 3 cups of flour and beat
until smooth. Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for about
an hour. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough
forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the
dough appears smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl,
turning once to coat with the oil. Cover and let rise for about an
hour, or until doubled in size. Push down the dough and let rise for
another hour, or until doubled in size again.
Divide the dough into three equal parts. On a lightly floured surface,
divide one portion into three equal parts. Roll each portion into a
10-inch to 12-inch rope. Braid the three ropes together, starting at
the middle and working your way out to both ends. Join the ends
together to form a braided ring, leaving the center open.
Repeat the rolling and braiding process with the two remaining
portions of dough.
Place the loaves on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until
almost double in size. Brush the loaves with the egg-and-water glaze
and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
Bake in a pre-heated 375-F degree oven for about 45 minutes or until
golden. Cool on wire racks. Serve warm or store in an airtight
container for use later.
Posted to dailyrecipe@recipe-a-day.com by Recipe-a-Day
<recipe-a-day@bignetwork.com> on Dec 22, 1998, converted by MM_Buster
v2.0l.

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