Title: Italian Holiday Bread
Categories: Bread Cheese
Yield: 2 Loaves

2	tb	Yeast
1/2	c	Brown sugar
1/2	c	Warm water (100-115 F.)
1/2	c	Butter, melted
5		Eggs, 2 whole+3 yolks
1	ts	Salt
4	c	All-purpose flour
GLAZING MIXTURE
1		Egg yolk
2	ts	Flour
2	ts	Sugar
2	ts	Water

Dissolve yeast and 1/2 cup brown sugar in the water and allow to proof. Stir in the melted butter, 2 whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, salt, and blend well. Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, beating in well.

Turn the dough out on a floured surface and knead in additional flour until you have a soft velvety dough with no trace of stickiness. About 5 minutes of kneading should be enough.

Divide the dough into equal portions. Flatten and shape into round loaves. Place on a greased baking sheet and cover with a tent of aluminum foil and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in bulk (about 1-2 hours). Mix up the glazing mixture and brush over the tops of the two loaves. You can add a few decorative slashes with a sharp knife and sprinkle with a little brown sugar if desired.

Bake at 325 F. for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when rapped on top and sides with your knuckles. Cool on rack before slicing.

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