Greek Trinity Loaf
3 to 3 1/2 C. all-purpose flour (divided)
1/4 C. granulated sugar
2 packages rapid-rise or fast-acting yeast
1 t. anise seed
1 t. salt
1/2 C. water (70 to 80�F.)
1/3 C. butter or margarine, cut up
2 whole eggs plus 1 separated egg (divided)
1 C. golden raisins
In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, anise seed and
salt.
Heat water and butter until very warm (120 to 130�F.); stir into dry
ingredients. Stir in 2 eggs, 1 egg yolk (reserve egg white) and enough remaining
flour to make soft dough.
Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Cover; let rest 10 minutes.
To shape and bake dough: Remove 1/2 cup dough; reserve. Knead raisins into
remaining dough; divide into 3 equal pieces. Form each into smooth ball; arrange
on greased baking sheet in the shape of a 3-leaf clover.
Divide reserved dough into 4 equal pieces; roll each into 10-inch rope. Place 2
ropes side by side; twist together, pinching ends to seal.
Repeat with remaining ropes.
Arrange twisted ropes on 3-leaf clover in the form of a cross, tucking ends
under. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 45
to 60 minutes.
Lightly beat reserved egg white; brush on dough. Meanwhile, preheat oven to
375�F.
Bake bread for 30 to 35 minutes or until done, covering with foil after 10
minutes to prevent excess browning.
Remove from pan; cool on wire rack.
Bread machine method: (For 1 1/2- or 2-pound bread machines.) Using 3 1/4 cups
bread flour and 3 teaspoons rapid-rise or fast-acting yeast, add ingredients to
bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer. Process on
dough/manual cycle.
When cycle is complete, remove dough to floured surface. If necessary, knead in
additional flour to make dough easy to handle. Proceed as directed above to
shape and bake dough.
Makes 1 loaf.
Copyright 2000-2006