Bread Rounds

This is my new favorite homemade bread.  I don't say that you just have to try a recipe very often, but this recipe MUST be tried if you like bread.  I'm not even a lover of bread and I LOVED it.  I found the recipe in a Taste of Homes magazine.  These are my new favorite cookbooks.  The magazine is like going to a church potluck dinner and bringing home all your favorite recipes.  I encourage you to pick one up any chance you get!  Hope you enjoy the bread!!!

1 package active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg, separated
2 teaspoons salt, divided
4 1/2 cups Bread flour
1 Tablespoon water
1 teaspoon each poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and caraway seeds
1 teaspoon dried minced onion

In a large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water.  Add milk, sugar, butter, egg yolk, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups bread flour.  Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.  Add remaining flour and knead.  Dough will be sticky.  Knead by hand for about 10 minutes.  (I use my kitchen aide mixer and let it knead for about 5 minutes).

Place in a greased bowl, turn once to coat the dough.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.

Punch dough down.  Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half.  Shape into 2 round loaves.  Place on a well greased cookie sheet.  Let rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Combine egg white and 1 Tablespoon water.  Brush on each loaf gently.  Combine poppy seeds, caraway seeds, sesame seeds, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  ( I used kosher salt for the topping). 

Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until brown. 

I made this bread to serve with Italian Beef.  The next day I made it again because the kids requested it.  It would be great with just about any soup.  I might just have to go make it again today!!

grace and peace,
julie