Brioche

From The Vegetarian Cookbook

• 2 1/4 cups flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 6 tbsp butter, melted and cooled

Add flour to large mixing bowl, make a well in the center and pour in the milk. Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the milk, stir, and let stand about 5 minutes until foamy. Stir together the liquid and dry ingredients. Cover with a tea towel and stand in a warm place until mixture bubbles and rises slightly (about 25 minutes).

Mix in the egg yolks and the butter - add milk slowly until a workable dough is formed. With a wooden spoon, work dough for around 10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a tea towel and stand in a warm place to rise until the volume doubles (1 to 1 1/2 hours). Preheat the oven to 400°F/205°C.

Punch down the dough. With a teaspoon scoop out pieces of dough about the size of a small egg and shape into balls. Space out the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet. Crack one egg into a small bowl and beat well; brush tops of balls with the beaten egg. Let stand in a warm place 15 to 20 minutes, then brush with egg again. Place in oven and immediately reduce oven temperature to 375°F/190°C. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden with a soft crust.