food.com
Finnish Coffee Bread (Traditional) (11) Originally this recipe was printed in the Finnish Cookbook but I have been making it every year for Christmas breakfast. Although it is time consuming with three rises this recipe makes three coffee braids, so there is always one for the freezer and to share with friends. Prep time includes approximate rising time.
by ellie_ · published 2003-11-01
Open original recipe Yeast Breads
Add 3 cups of flour and stir well.
05 Stir in melted butter or margarine.
06 Stir in 2-3 cups more flour or until you have a stiff dough.
07 Turn dough out onto a floured bread board and cover with inverted bowl.
08 Let rest for 15 minutes.
09 Knead dough until smooth and satiny (8-10 minutes).
10 Place dough in large lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top.
11 Cover with plastic wrap and/or towel.
12 Let dough rise in a warm place until doubled (1-2 hours).
13 Punch dough down.
14 Let dough rise again until almost double (30 minutes- 1 hour).
15 Turn out onto floured board.
16 Divide dough into thirds, working with only one third at a time.
17 Divide (one- third of dough) into three parts.
18 With your hands roll each part into one 18"strand.
19 Braid the three stands together to form one braid, tucking ends under.
20 Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
21 Let rise 20-30 minutes until puffy.
22 Repeat with other two parts (each one-third of original dough).
23 You will have three braids when finished.
24 Brush braids with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
25 Bake in 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes or until braids are light brown.