Honey Beehive Bread

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, undissolved yeast, and salt.

Step 2: Heat water, honey, and butter until very warm (120 to 130°F).

Step 3: Gradually add to dry ingredients.

Step 4: Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.

Step 5: Add eggs and 1 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed.

Step 6: Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Step 7: Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

Step 9: Divide dough into 20 equal pieces; roll each piece to 20-inch ropes.

Step 10: Twist 2 ropes together; pinch ends to seal.

Step 11: Repeat with remaining ropes.

Step 12: Invert a 2 1/2-quart ovenproof mixing bowl onto a greased baking sheet.

Step 13: Heavily grease the outside of bowl.

Step 14: Starting at rim of bowl, wrap twists around bowl, pinching ends to join each new twist.

Step 15: Continue wrapping twists until entire bowl is covered.

Step 16: Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place until puffy,

Step 17: About 30 minutes.

Step 18: Brush dough with egg glaze.

Step 19: Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.

Step 20: Shield with foil if necessary, to prevent excessive browning.

Step 21: Remove from oven; let cool on bowl for 15 minutes.

Step 22: Crumple a large piece of foil, about 2 to 3 feet, into a loose ball with the same diameter and depth of bowl.

Step 23: Place ball on wire rack.

Step 24: Carefully remove hive from bowl; place over ball to complete cooling.

Step 25: Serve with honey butter.

FOR THE EGG GLAZE

Step 26: In a small bowl, combine 1 egg, large and 1 Tablespoon water.

Step 27: Stir until well blended.

FOR THE HONEY BUTTER

Step 28: Mix honey butter by combining 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/8 cup honey. serve with bread.