Vanoca Czech Christmas Bread

Method

• step 1

  Beat the eggs and mix together with the milk and sugar.

• step 2

  Add in the melted butter and mix in the yeast.

• step 3

  Weigh out and mix the dry ingredients together.

• step 4

  Add to the bread machine and choose the "dough" setting.

• step 5

  Once the dough is made, turn out onto a floured surface, and divide into 8 equal portions (16 if making two small loaves). Roll each portion into a "rope" about 18cm long.

• step 6

  Take the first 4 of the ropes, and create a plait.

• step 7

  Next take 3 ropes and make a plait.

• step 8

  Finally divide the last rope in half and roll into two thinner ropes and twist together.

• step 9

  Place the three plait on the four plait on a baking sheet and then the two rope twist on top, folding this under the other two.

• step 10

  Cover completely with beaten egg, the sprinkle over the chopped almonds, and recover again with beaten egg.

• step 11

  Place in a pre-heated oven at 190C / fan 170C / gas 6 for 20 mins until the bread begins to brown.

• step 12

  Then turn the heat down to 160C / fan 140 / gas 3 until cooked. Test by tapping the base of the loaf which should sound hollow.

• step 13

  Allow to cool, and before serving sprinkle with vanilla icing sugar.