Traditional Sweet Bread For Easter

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Easter sweet bread

Ingredients:

Yeast:
1 packet of dry yeast
1/2 tbsp sugar
4 oz glass lukewarm water
- let yeast proof

Dough:
2 eggs
8 oz lukewarm water
(*optional - replace some water with 1 fresh squeezed Orange juice)
6 oz oil
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 lemon zest
1 orange zest
7 1/2 cups sifted flour (all purpose)

Egg wash:
1 egg
1 tbsp sugar
Sesame seeds as needed

Directions:

Add proofed yeast and all dough ingredients in bowl,
Knead or mix well with stand mixer into a dough ball.
Place into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and tea towel,
set aside for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size,
punch the dough down, cover and let it rise again.
Place dough on floured surface, cut dough into desired size balls,
roll out each ball approximately 6 inches long, tie into a knot and place on greased pan.
put aside to rise, 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Egg wash before you put them into bake; whisk 1 egg & 1 tsp sugar,
brush egg mixture on top making sure not to deflate.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake in a 350° oven until golden brown.
Makes approximately 2 pans.