How to Make Braided Easter Bread

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from Seaworthy and more videos in the Bread category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com This pretty Easter bread just looks complicated; it's actually a cinch to make! To complete this How-To you will need: 1 envelope of active dry yeast 1/8 c. warm water 1/2 c. milk 1/2 stick of butter, divided 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 3 1/2 to 4 c. flour, divided 7 raw eggs, or 3 raw and 4 hard-boiled eggs 1 tbsp. water A small saucepan 2 large mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk A pastry brush A large baking sheet Food coloring 3 tbsp. blanched almonds, slivered Step 1: Prepare yeast Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Step 2: Combine milk, butter, sugar Heat the milk on low until almost simmering, and then stir in one-quarter stick of butter until melted. Turn off the heat. Pour the sugar and salt into a mixing bowl, and then pour in the milk and melted butter mixture, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Step 3: Add flour, yeast, eggs When the mixture has cooled to lukewarm, stir in a cup of flour and beat with the electric mixer or by hand until smooth. Add the dissolved yeast and two raw eggs, and beat until smooth. Then, add the flour, a half-cup at a time, until you have a soft dough. Step 4: Knead the dough Flour your hands ...