SERVES 12
FOR THE BREAD:
1½ cup whole milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon almond extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
2 1/4 ounce packages active dry
yeast
6 cups all-purpose flour plus
more for kneading the bread
3 large eggs lightly beaten
FOR THE TOPPING:
1 large egg lightly beaten
1 tablespoon cold water
1 cup Honey Roasted sliced
almonds
1 tablespoon pastel sprinkles or
nonpareils
1. In a small saucepan, over medium-low temperature, heat the milk,
butter and almond extract. The temperature of the milk mixture, using an
instant-read thermometer, should be between 120°- 130°F.
2. While the milk/butter mixture warms, place sugar and orange zest in the
bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With your
fingertips, rub the sugar and zest together until it is well combined.
3. Add the yeast, salt and 2 cups of the flour to the sugar/orange zest, and
mix on low to combine.
4. Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients; beat on medium-low
speed 2 minutes.
5. Add the 3 beaten eggs and beat 2 more minutes.
6. Gradually, add the remaining 4 cups flour and beat until a soft dough
forms. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until
the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 5 minutes. The
dough will be sticky.
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead (adding extra
flour as needed) about 6-8 minutes or until the dough is elastic and
smooth.
8. Place the dough upside down in a lightly buttered, large bowl and then
gently turn it upright making sure the entire surface is buttered. Cover
the bowl, with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled
in size, about 1-1½ hours (depending on the warmth of your kitchen).
9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper
with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
10. When the dough has doubled in size, punch down the dough and
transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Cut it into thirds and gently roll
each third into a 20-inch-long rope. Transfer the ropes to the prepared
baking sheet and press the ropes together at one end. Braid the ropes
together and tuck the ends under. Cover the braided loaf with plastic
wrap that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. This will
prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the dough. Let the dough rise
until doubled in size (30 minutes-1 hour).
11. While the braided dough rises, heat oven to 350°F.
12. In a small bowl, lightly beat together one egg and water. Brush the loaf
with the egg wash and sprinkle the loaf with almonds and pastel
sprinkles. The loaf will spread when baking, so sprinkle the majority of
the almonds and sprinkles toward the middle of the loaf.
13. Bake the bread 40-55 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds
hollow when tapped.
14. Transfer the bread to a cooing rack and cool 30 minutes before slicing.
15. Enjoy