Step #1 The Cook & Kitchen Staff are visiting the Ukraine for the holidays, & offering you some of that region's most delectable Christmas recipes.
Step #2 Since the earliest times, with its fertile fields & rich, tribes of Ukrainian peoples have inhabited this naturally abundant corner of the world, dark soil.
Step #3 Living in close harmony with the land, early Ukrainians had a deep understanding of the power of nature, so it's only natural that many of their holiday specialty recipes reflect the natural goodness of the land.
Step #4 Today, you may find today's recipe served at holiday tables throughout Kiev, where all Ukrainian family members are made welcome.
Step #5 At the feasts of the Christmas Spice up, the departed, they celebrate the holidays along with the living, & the yet-to-be-born.
Step #6 Makes 3 Loaves Dissolve sugar in the lukewarm water & Sprinkle top the yeast over the top.
Step #7 Let the mixture stand for about 10 mins.
Step #8 Scald the milk in a large saucepan over medium- high heat & then let cool to lukewarm, about 110-F degrees.
Step #9 In a large mixing bowl, mix the yeast mixture with the warm milk, sugar, eggs, salt, & melted butter.
Step #10 Add 3 c of flour & beat until smooth.
Step #11 Cover the dough & let rise in a warm place for about an hr.
Step #12 slowly mix in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Step #13 Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface & knead until the dough appears smooth & elastic.
Step #14 Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat with the oil.
Step #15 Cover & let rise for about an hr, or until doubled in size.
Step #16 Push down the dough & let rise for another hr, or until doubled in size again.
Step #17 Divide the dough into three equal parts.
Step #18 On a lightly floured surface, divide one portion into three equal parts.
Step #19 Roll each portion into a 10-inch to 12-inch rope.
Step #20 Braid the three ropes together, starting at the middle & working your way out to both ends.
Step #21 Join the ends together to form a braided ring, leaving the center open.
Step #22 Repeat the rolling & braiding process with the two remaining portions of dough.
Step #23 Place the loaves on greased baking sheets.
Step #24 Cover & let rise until almost double in size.
Step #25 Brush the loaves with the egg-and-water glaze & Sprinkle top with poppy seeds.
Step #26 Bake in a pre-heated 375-F degree oven for about 45 mins or until golden.
Step #27 Cool on wire racks.
Step #28 Serve warm or store this in an airtight container for use later.