The most delicate, buttery flavoured bread, so soft and yellow - enriched with loads of eggs - pure-bread heaven.
Serve warmed at breakfast with conserve.

Preparation time: 30-40 minutes plus proving time   Quantity: Serves 8 - 10   Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

500g/1lb plain flour
10-15g fresh yeast or 7g dried
10g/1/3 oz salt
30g/1 oz sugar
75 ml/4 fl oz milk (37*)
6 medium eggs
200g/ 7 oz butter-softened

Method

  • Sift the flour twice
  • Add the yeast, salt and sugar
  • Mix in the warm milk
  • Mix by hand to a dough
  • Beat up the eggs in a jug and add slowly beating all the time, till well incorporated
  • Cut the butter in to small cubes and throw it in the brioche mix one at a time, beating it well in
  • Rest and leave to prove in a warm place for 20 - 30 minutes covered with a tea towel
  • Knock the mix down
  • Knead for 5 minutes or so, till pliable and soft
  • Place in a suitable cooking tin
  • Brush the top with salted, egg yolk and a little milk
  • Prove again by leaving in a warm place for 40-60 minutes or so till risen - while you preheat the oven gas 7/220*c/450*f
  • Place in the middle shelf for 35-45 minutes till golden brown and cooked