Grease a baking
sheet. Sift the flour and salt into a warmed mixing bowl. Melt the
butter in a small pan over a gentle heat then add the milk and heat
the mixture until tepid. Remove from the heat.
Place the
yeast and sugar in a small bowl, pour on a little of the milk
mixture and cream until the yeast has dissolved. Pour the yeast
mixture back into the remaining milk, then add the beaten egg and
stir well.
Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the liquid. Beat
the flour and liquid together with your hands until a dough is
formed. Turn out the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it
for 8-10
minutes until smooth
and no longer sticky.
Return the dough
to the bowl, place the bowl in an oiled plastic bag and set aside in
a warm place until the dough has doubled in bulk.
Turn the
risen dough on to a floured board, punch to deflate the air bubbles
and knead gently for 1-2 minutes. Divide the dough into 6 equal
pieces and roll each one into a sausage shape.
Cut in 3 lengthways,
leaving one end joined together. Plait the 3 pieces over each other,
and turn the ends under. Make 5 more plaits in the same way.
Place the
plaits on the prepared baking sheet and leave to prove in a warm
place for 20-30 minutes.
Brush with the beaten egg, sprinkle with
poppy seeds and bake in a preheated oven, 200°C (400°F), Gas Mark 6,
for 15-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
Baking Recipes -
Poppy Seed Plaits
Recipe
