Baking Recipes - Poppy Seed Plaits Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 6

• 500 g/1 lb strong white flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 40 g/1 1/2 oz butter

• 300 ml/1/2 pint milk

• 15 g/1/2 oz fresh yeast

• 2 tablespoons caster sugar

• 1 egg, beaten 

• Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

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Method:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Place the plaits on the prepared baking sheet and leave to prove in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.

8. 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.