Choereg (Armenian Easter Bread)

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup margarine
• 1 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 2 , .25 ounce
• 5 large eggs
• 6 cups all-purpose flour , or as needed
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 tablespoons ground mahleb
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine milk, butter, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until butter and margarine are melted, but do not let it boil. Stir in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved, then set aside to cool to lukewarm.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface, and let stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Crack eggs into a large bowl, and stir a little to break up the yolks. Slowly pour in heated milk mixture while whisking constantly, so as to temper the eggs and not cook them. Add yeast mixture, and stir just until blended.

4. 4

   Combine flour, baking powder, mahleb, and salt in a large bowl; make a well in the center, and pour in egg mixture. Stir until it forms a sticky dough. Pour onto a floured surface, and knead in additional flour as needed to make a more substantial dough. Knead for about 10 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, and set in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. 5

   When dough has doubled, punch down again, and let rise until doubled. It will only take about half as long this time.

6. 6

   Separate dough into 5 even portions, then separate each of those into thirds. Roll each of those into ropes about 12 inches long. Braid sets of three ropes together, pinching the ends to seal, and tucking them under for a better presentation. Place loaves onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Loaves should be spaced 4 inches apart. Set in a warm place to rise until your finger leaves an impression behind when you poke the loaf gently.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush loaves with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven until nicely golden brown all over, about 25 minutes.