6 1/2 c. bread flour
2 pkgs. active dry yeast
3/4 c. butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
5 eggs

In large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour and the yeast. In a small pan, heat butter, sugar, salt, and milk until butter is almost melted. Add to flour together with eggs. Beat at low speed for 1/2 minute, then at high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour to make a soft dough. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise 1 hour. Stir sticky dough down, divide into 3 (1 pound) portions and place each into a plastic bag. Refrigerate from 2 to 24 hours.

STAR BREAD:

Take 1 bag of dough and divide it into 9 equal balls. Roll each ball into a 12-inch rope. In the center of a cookie sheet, coil one rope, moistening the tip and folding it under the coil. Attach the moistened ends of the 8 ropes around the center coil.

Loosely roll up each rope toward the middle, creating a star shape. Brush with 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Let rise, covered, 1 hour. Bake 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees.