FORMING THE LOAVES:
There are two ways you can form the loaves.
METHOD A / TRADITIONAL BRAIDED STYLE:
Separate the dough into 5 even portions. Divide each portion into 3, then roll each of the 3 pieces into 12-inch ropes; braid the 3 ropes together and pinch to seal and tuck under at each end of the loaf. Place loaves about 4-5 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets, cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes – 1 hour. Brush loaves with beaten egg yolk/milk wash. Option: sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 8 minutes; turn the oven down to 325 degrees and continue to bake an additional 17 minutes or until golden brown all over. Bread freezes very well, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Toasts nicely!
METHOD B / JELLY ROLL STYLE:
Separate the dough into 5 even portions. Roll out each portion to about 1/4″ thick. Brush with melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle it with sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and golden raisins. Roll jelly roll fashion and place, seam side down, into a buttered floured loaf pan, turning the long loaf left to right to left like a snake. Let rise again until doubled in size. Bush loaves with beaten egg yolk/milk wash. Sprinkle top with slivered almonds. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 8 minutes; turn the oven down to 325 degrees and continue to bake an additional 17 minutes or until golden brown all over.
ENJOY!