Ingredients
1
(3-inch) cinnamon stick
1
cup warm water (100° to 110°)
2
packages dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp each)
4
3/4 cups bread flour, divided
Directions
1.
Place allspice and cinnamon in a spice or coffee grinder, and process until finely ground. Set aside.
2.
Combine water, dash of salt, dash of sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Let stand for 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
3.
Add 1 cup flour to yeast mixture, stirring until well combined. Let stand 20 minutes.
4.
Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.
5.
Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in allspice mixture.
6.
Add yeast mixture to butter mixture; stir with a whisk until well combined. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt.
7.
Add 3 1/2 cups flour, about 1 cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
8.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel tacky).
9.
Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top.
10.
Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press 2 fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.)
11.
Divide dough into 3 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 14-inch-long rope.
12.
Place ropes lengthwise on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray (do not stretch); pinch ends together at one end to seal.
13.
Braid ropes; pinch loose ends to seal. Lightly coat dough with cooking spray.
14.
Cover and let rise 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
15.
Preheat oven to 350°.
16.
Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg yolk, stirring with a whisk.
17.
Brush half of yolk mixture over loaf. Let stand for 5 minutes.
18.
Repeat procedure with the remaining yolk mixture. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
19.
Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
