Ukrainian Kolach
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 2 pkg. dry yeast
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 lg. eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. butter, melted
- 8 to 9 cups all-purpose Flour, sifted
- 1 whole egg, beaten with 2 Tbs. water for glaze
- 2 tbsp. poppy seeds
- 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.
- Christmas Kolach (Makes 3 Loaves)
sugar, water, yeast, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, salt, butter, flour, egg, poppy seeds
Taken from www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/20139 (may not work)