Gift Bread

Baking Christopsomo today for gifts. I get such a kick out of making this cool bread that looks like the bow is baked into it. After the second rise, I called the girls over to see, saying, "Look how nicely my bread has risen." J promptly responded, "Christ is risen!" Ah, yes, God is with us!

Christopsomo (or Greek Christmas Bread) - adapted from the Sunset Cookbook of Breads [The bow idea is from the same book, but for the recipe for German Kuchen]

blend:
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water

Combine:
1/2 cup scalded and cooled milk
1 cup butter
4 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt

Add yeast mixture and gradually add 6-7 cups unsifted flour.
Knead for 10 minutes on floured board
Let rise 2 hours or until double.

Punch down and divide into 6 small balls. Brush butter around outside, and tie each ball with a strip of brown paper (the same width as your ribbon - for small loaves like mine use a skinny ribbon) and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise 1 hour or until doubled. Bake 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Serve warm, or toasted with honey.