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1
In small saucepan over medium heat, heat milk until it steams.
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2
Add butter and remove pan from heat.
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3
Let cool to body temperature.
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4
Combine yeast, warm water and sugar in large mixing bowl.
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5
Cover with clean dish towel and place bowl in warm place for 10 to 20 minutes, or until yeast foams.
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6
Add cooled milk mixture, salt and enough flour to form a thick batter.
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7
Stir with wooden spoon vigorously about 20 times.
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8
Cover bowl again and let dough rise in warm place 1 hour.
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9
Punch down dough.
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10
Add enough remaining flour by half cupfuls to make a kneadable dough.
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11
Transfer dough to floured board or counter; knead 10 minutes, or until elastic and silky to touch.
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12
Clean bowl; place kneaded dough into bowl.
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13
Cover; let rise in warm place 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until dough is doubled in volume.
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14
Lightly oil a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking sheet.
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15
Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
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16
Divide dough into 3 strands.
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17
Place on baking sheet and braid as you would a girl's hair, tucking ends under to finish braid.
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18
Lightly brush top of loaf with beaten egg.
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19
Place loaf in oven; reduce heat to 375F (190C).
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20
Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown.
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21
Let cool before cutting
