You can use a bread machine to knead this bread IF you can reprogram it after the first mixing and kneading to do it again.
You can make this in a Stand mixer, and you can mix by hand.
I use King Arthur flour. I have NEVER had a failure with any of the King Arthur flours.....
Early in the day......make the starter
(Place in your dough bucket or large bowl)
1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
8 ounces water
2 teaspoons SAF Perfect Rise yeast
Mix and cover....let rise for 45 minutes. ( I place mine in the microwave because no one will bother it, and there are no drafts.)
Bread Dough:
3 1/2 cups ( 15 ounces) unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs plus one egg yolk, beaten together
Add all of this to the bowl or dough bucket with the yeast starter.
If using a bread machine, set machine on dough... after it finishes mixing and kneading, reset to mix and knead again.
If using a stand mixer with dough hook/s, let knead for 30 min.
( if using a kitchen aid, that's on #2)
If kneading by hand, knead until the dough is shiny and smooth like silk. That may take 20+ minutes, depending on your technique.
Once the dough is mixed and kneaded the appropriate time:
Remove the dough bucket, and place in microwave to let dough rise for 1 1/2 hrs.
If using a mixer, place dough in a lightly oiled large bowl, let rise 1 1/2 hours, covered and out of a draft. You can place in microwave ....
By hand.....place dough in a lightly oiled large bowl, let rise 1 1/2 hours, covered and out of a draft. You can place in microwave ....
Once the dough has risen the appropriate time, remove from container, and knead by hand to expel the gasses. Cut into 3 equal pieces, roll by hand, using back and forth motion to make a rope about 18 inches long...you can also do a 4 strand braid if you wish... either way it'll work
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, line the ropes up, pinch one end, and braid the bread dough. Tuck the ends under.
Now to make the egg wash:
Beat one egg with 1 Tablespoon of water, and brush the braid.
Cover carefully, using jars or cans to keep the towel off the braid, with a towel. Let rise 1 hour.
Brush again with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if you wish.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven.....middle rack, 20 min. Then check.
Using your thermometer by inserting in the middle of the bread, if it measures 190 degrees it's done. If not, cover lightly with foil
so it won't burn, and bake in 5 min increments until the internal temperature is 190....
Depending on your oven, it may require an additional 10 -15 min, but you need to check it to avoid it burning.
Remove from baking sheet and let cool on a cookie rack....at least a half hour before slicing.
