4 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 pkgs. quick rising yeast
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. butter
3 eggs, room temperature
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp. cold milk
Sesame seeds

Set aside 1 cup flour. In large bowl, mix remaining flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In saucepan, heat milk, water, and butter until hot to touch (125 to 130 degrees). Stir into dry mixture. Mix in eggs and only enough reserved flour to make soft dough. On floured surface, knead 4 minutes.

Divide dough in 6 equal pieces; roll each into a 12 inch rope. Braid 3 ropes; seal ends. Repeat with 3 remaining ropes. Place on greased baking sheet; cover. Place baking sheet over shallow pan; let dough rise 15 to 20 minutes. Beat egg yolk with cold milk. Brush on loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until done. Remove baking sheet, cool on wire racks. Makes 2 loaves.