Serbian Butter Pogacha Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 package or 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup butter, soft
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 6 - 6 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk for brushing, beaten
• Sea salt flakes or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a stand mixer, combine the yeast, brown sugar, water and milk.
3. Add the 4 egg yolks, soft butter, lemon zest, rye flour, bread flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix on medium speed for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth. Gradually add more bread flour if needed to achieve a firmer dough suitable for braiding.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough, then divide it into sections and roll it into one braid.
6. Place the braided dough on a greased cookie sheet. Let it rise for another hour until doubled in size.
7. Brush the top with beaten egg yolk, and if desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or sesame seeds.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.