Honey Beehive Bread

How to Make

• 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.