PORTUGUESE SWEET BREAD 
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 c. warm water
1 c. milk
1/2 c. butter
2 tsp. salt
7 eggs, (room temperature)
1 c. sugar
8 to 9 c. sifted flour
2 tbsp. melted butter

Dissolve yeast in large bowl with warm water and a pinch sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Scald milk. Add butter to melt then salt and stir. Let cool to 100 degrees.

In electric mixer beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and beat 3 minutes. Blend in milk mixture. Stir into yeast mixture in large bowl. Stir in 7 cups flour 1 cup at a time. Dough should be soft and pull away from sides of bowl. Turn dough onto well floured surface and sprinkle with 1 cup flour. Knead about 10 minutes (adding up to 1 more cup flour).

Grease large bowl. Add dough turning to coat both sides. Cover and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 2 hours). Punch down dough. Let rest 10 minutes. Now cut dough in half to make two loaves. You can braid one loaf or put in a greased 1 quart casserole dish or cake pan. Cover and let rise once more (about 1 hour). Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until loaves are golden brown and hollow sounding about 30 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter when done. Freezes well.

 

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