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1
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt and lemon zest.
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2
Add chunks of butter and crumble it into the flour mix with your fingers until it's well incorporated.
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3
(You could melt it too)
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4
Add the warm milk and egg.
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5
Mix until the dough starts coming together .
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6
Bring the dough together and put on a floured surface.
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7
Knead...
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8
Continue kneading for about 10 minutes.., (this photo is after about 5 minutes)
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9
After about 10 minutes the dough should be smooth and elastic.
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10
Form into a round ball, return to bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
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11
Let rise for 45-60 minutes in a warm spot.
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12
The dough should be noticeably larger.
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13
Cut off 1/4 of the dough to make the braid.
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14
Roll the main piece into a long roll that has tapered ends.
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15
Mine was about 100 cm in length.
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16
On a lined baking pan, Fold it into a pretzel shape.
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17
I usually stuff the holes with aluminum so they don't close up as the bread rises in the oven.
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18
Divide the smaller piece of dough into 3 equal pieces.
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19
Roll each out into a thin strand (about 50 cm)
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20
Pinch the 3 ends together.
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21
Braid the three strands together...
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22
And pinch the other 3 ends together.
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23
Lay the braid over the top of the pretzel.
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24
Don't forget to hide your lucky penny somewhere ;)
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25
Beat an egg well and brush the whole pretzel with the egg wash.
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26
Optionally sprinkle with large sugar granules or poppy seeds.
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27
Bake at 200C/400F for 25-30 minutes until bronze/golden brown.
