Baking up Family Tradition

We usually make this Swiss braided bread at Christmastime but I thought it sounded good for Sunday dinner. My mother-n-law's family, the Zobrists, have their roots in Switzerland. Spencer's great grandparents moved here from Switzerland and we were able to find their names on Ellis Island when we visited New York City. Swiss braided bread traditionally is a three stranded braid. But the Zobrist's had their own traditions and made it with four strands. Spencer's family has always baked up several loaves and delivered them HOT for neighbors at Christmas (so sad if you are not home). So we, along with Spencer's sister, have kept this tradition going. Spencer is a sculptor and good with molding things into place so I always have him braid the bread. It keeps him attached to his roots. And it is fun to make and enjoy it together. I can smell it now as it bakes in the oven. The smell of homemade bread is one that stays with you for generations, bringing you comfort and love. The smell of my own Grandma's rolls is still vibrant in my memory. Here is the recipe for the braided bread. It really isn't too hard. But it took us several tries to get it just right. Although it never turns out as pretty as my mother-n-law's bread. Enjoy a little Switzerland today!

1/2 cup warm water

Two packages of active dry yeast

1 1/2 Cups luke warm milk

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp salt

3 eggs

1/4 cup butter

7 cups flour (approx.)

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix in milk, sugar, salt, eggs butter, and 1/2 the flour. Add enough of the remaining flour until the dough can be handled. Let the dough rise to double the size and punch down. Make three balls for three separate loaves. Use oil instead of four to handle. Either make two long strips for four braids or three strips for a regular braid. Braid the the dough and tuck in the ends. Let raise again to double size. Brush with egg yolk and 1 tbsp water to make it shiny. Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with butter after it is cooked. Yummmm!