This sugared egg bread with a kiss of vanilla rises overnight, shortening the amount of time you spend on dessert the day you serve it.
INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings):
- 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
- 7 eggs
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat eggs until fluffy. Stir in 4 cups of flour, salt, sugar, milk, 3/4 cup melted butter, yeast mixture and vanilla. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator.
The next morning, deflate the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 90 minutes.
Brush risen loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until golden brown.