Herb Butter Braid

Fresh baked herb butter braid bread is so good. It makes your house smell so inviting.  Slice and slather some garlic butter over the warm bread for a wonderful treat.

Ingredients

1 pkg yeast
1 tsp. sugar
4 c. warm water
1 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 Tbs. caraway seed
1 Tbs. parsley flakes
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 Tbs. garlic powder
3 eggs
1 c. warm milk
4 1/2 c. flour

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water.  Set aside in a warm location for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.

In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and 1/4 cup sugar, caraway seed, parsley flakes, salt, dry mustard, onion powder and garlic powder until light and fluffy.

Mix in eggs and warm milk. Beat well.

Stir in yeast mixture. 

Using a dough hook or by hand with a wooden spoon, add the flour, mixing until everything is well blended. The dough will be very soft, so don't worry. 

Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 to 8 hours. 

Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a well floured surface. divide the dough in half.  Divide each half into 3 pieces.  With floured hands, roll each piece into a 15 to 18-inch rope or strip. Braid 3 strips into a loaf. Tuck ends under to secure.  Repeat process with the other 3 strips of bread dough.

Place the braided dough on an ungreased baking sheet.  Cover and let rise for 2 to3 hours or until doubled in size. 

With the baking rake near the center of the oven, bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.  Brush with melted butter.