Family Slava Bread

Kolach

STEP 1 "Prepare the Yeast"

Into a measuring cup or small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and about a half cup of the "lukewarm" milk. Set aside. This activates the yeast.

STEP 2 "Mix eggs and milk"

Into a medium mixing bowl, beat the 3 egg yolks and then add the rest of the lukewarm milk. Mix well. Set aside.

STEP 3 "Mix dry ingredients with butter"

Into a large mixing bowl, add the sugar and salt to 8 cups of sifted flour.

Add about a tablespoon of lemon zest and equal amount of lemon juice. ( More or less to taste.)

Add the butter, mix with your hands (as for a pie crust) until the butter is well mixed with the flour and has a real fine texture.

STEP 4 "Make the dough"

Combine the beaten "egg & milk - mixture" and the "activated yeast" to the flour mixture. Beat the dough until it comes clean from the bowl.

STEP 5 "Knead and Rise" (Twice)

Form the dough into a ball and place into a large clean bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside and let rise for about 2 hours. The dough will more than double in size.

Once the dough rises, remove from the rising bowl and place on a lightly floured counter top or kneading board. Knead the dough. (For about five minutes or so.)

Again form the dough into a ball and place in the bowl, covered with a damp cloth. Set aside and let it rise. This time, it takes about 1 hour.

STEP 6 "Make the Braid & Cross"

( While the dough rises for the second time, lets make the braid and cross. )

Into a medium mixing bowl, add 3/4 cups water to 2 cups flour and a pinch of salt. Mix well into a workable dough, until smooth.

Make a braid and cross. (or a braided cross or other decretive items for the top of your "Slava" bread)

When dough has raised the second time, place it on a large greased baking sheet. (Using baking "parchment paper" is optional.)

Attach the cross and braid on the bread by ether a dab of water or egg.

(An egg wash on the top of the bread is optional.)

STEP 7 "Bake"

In a preheated oven.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variation:

In addition to or in place of the Lemon zest and juice used in Step 3, you can substitute or add a teaspoon of Vanilla extract.