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1
Pour the warm water into a warm bowl and add the yeast.
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2
Stir to dissolve then let stand until light and puffed, about 5 minutes.
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3
Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour, sugar and salt.
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4
Beat with an electric mixer on the lowest speed for 1 minute.
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5
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes longer.
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6
Add the butter to the yeast mixture and beat for another 1 minute.
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7
On the lowest speed on the mixer, beat in 1 egg and 1/2 cup of flour until well blended, repeating until the 4 eggs are used up and enough flour has been added to make a soft sticky dough.
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8
Continue to beat with the mixer or by hand, until the dough is glossy and elastic and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
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9
Stir in the cheddar cheese by hand.
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10
Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts until doubled in bulk, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
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11
When the dough has doubled in bulk, punch down and place in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours or better, overnight.
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12
Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
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13
Divide in half and cover and refrigerate the second ball of dough.
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14
Knead the remaining ball of dough on a lightly floured surface until soft and pliable.
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15
Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and roll each piece into a rope 12 to 16-inches long.
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16
Braid the ropes, starting in the middle and working toward each end.
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17
Pinch the ends together so seal them.
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18
Grease a large baking sheet and place the finished braid on one side of the sheet.
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19
Repeat with the refrigerated dough.
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20
In a small bowl beat the egg and milk together.
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21
Brush the braids with the egg mixture and let the braids rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until dough in bulk, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
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22
Do not cover.
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23
Midway through the rising time, brush with the egg mixture again.
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24
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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25
When fully risen, brush with the egg mixture for a final time and sprinkle evenly with the celery seeds.
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26
Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven until a wooden skewer or pick inserted in the braid comes out dry.
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27
Remove from the oven and from the baking sheet.
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28
Cool to room temperature, on wire racks, before slicing.