Swiss Bread

This is my mom's bread recipe and it is SO SO good! I decided it was time for me to learn to make it. It actually turned out pretty good.

1 cup shortening, melted

1 cup sugar

2 Tblsp salt

3 cups scalded milk

2 pkgs (2 Tblsp) active dry yeast

2 cups warm water, divided

Pinch of sugar

4 eggs, beaten

14 to 16 cups flour

1 egg beaten (for topping)

Melt Shortening. Dissolve sugar and salt in scalded milk; cool to lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water with a pinch of sugar added. Add remaining water to milk mixture. When misture is lukewarm, add dissolved yeast, 4 beaten eggs and 8 cups of the flour, beat thoroughly. Add 4 cups of flour and knead. This dough should not be as stiff as regular bread dough. (Add enough flour to make to consistency of stiff roll dough) At this point,add more flour to reach desired consistency. It may be a little sticky. Cover and let rise to double. Divide dough into portions, braid. Put in greased loaf tins. Cover and let rise again until double. Brush with beaten egg just before baking. Be careful not to disturb the dough. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes. Makes 5 or 6 loaves.

Here is how you braid the dough: Just think over, over, under

Do not be intimidated by this recipe! It is not as hard as it sounds and it is so good! It also makes the best french toast!

*I did the first 8 cups of flour in a big tupperware with just a hand mixer, then kneaded the rest of the flour in by hand.