This is a super easy bread to make as there is virtually no kneading and the  results are a “professional” looking loaf

   Ingredients:

1. 3 tablespoons butter or canola oil
2. ¾  cup water
3. 2 tablespoons sugar
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 2 & 3/4 cup flour (1 cup then 1 & 3/4 cup) [bread is much better if made with bread flour]
6. 2 ½ teaspoons yeast
7. 1 egg, beaten
8. Optional: 1 egg for the glaze

1. In a 2 cup Pyrex container, combine first four ingredients and heat in the microwave oven for 2-3 minutes, until butter is melted.
2. Meanwhile combine 1 cup flour and yeast in large bowl.
3. Add butter mixture (after stirring well) and egg to flour/yeast. Mix until blended.  Now add remaining 1 3/4 cup flour. Mix with wooden spoon and then knead a bit with your hands (it will be firm dough).
4. Make into a ball and allow to rest, covered, for 1-1 ½ hours in a warm, dry place.
5. After the dough has rested and doubled in bulk, divide it  into three equal parts and using a back and forth motion with the palms of your hands, roll the dough on the work surface until you have made a rope about 14″long.  Braid the ropes pinching the ends together.
6. Place the braided dough onto greased cookie sheet.
7. Cover, let it  rise for one hour (more if needed).
8. Optional:  Brush the loaf with the beaten egg for a glossy tan.  Sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on it…
9. Then bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.