Hermann braided bread

Ingredients for 1 servings:

• 500 g flour
• 21 g yeast
• 65 g sugar
• 5 g salt
• 75 g butter
• 1 egg(s)
• 200 ml milk
• 200 g dough (Hermann-, recipe in the DB)
• 5 drops of bitter almond flavor
• 1 egg yolk
• some milk

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Rest time approx. 2 hours 30 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 35 minutes; Total time approx. 3 hours 25 minutes

with Hermann dough

Personally, I don’t make a pre-dough because my dough always turns out great without it and I don’t need it. But if you want to make one, you can do it the way you know how. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and knead vigorously for at least 10 minutes, either with a mixer or by hand, the main thing is to knead it long enough until you have a smooth dough. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for at least 1-2 hours, until it has increased in volume considerably. (Of course, you can also make all of this in a bread maker.) After it has rested or risen, beat the yeast dough again vigorously and knead it well. Divide the dough into 3 parts and roll them into equal length strands, which should not be too thin. Braid these into a tight plait. (You can also braid 4, 5, or 6 strands, depending on your preference.) Place the plait on a well-greased or baking paper-lined baking tray, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes, until the dough has visibly increased in volume. (This may take longer depending on the temperature.) Brush the plait with egg yolk whisked with milk, sprinkle with sugar if desired, and bake in a preheated oven on the middle rack at 180°C (top/bottom heat) or 165°C (fan oven) for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. (Every oven heats differently, so it may take a little longer, but please don’t let it get too dark, or the plait will become too dry.) The plait will be very light and fluffy and will keep fresh for a long time. The Hermann dough gives it a very fine aroma. (I prepare this like sourdough, so it gradually gains more strength and I can skip adding yeast.) If you like, you can also add raisins to the dough.