Braided Sweet Bread - Swedish style

ingredients:

• 2/3 cup milk
• 25 gram fresh yeast or 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• grated zest of 1/2 - 1 orange
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup creamed cottage cheese, sieved, or quark
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg ( reserve a little of brushing)
• 3 cups all purpose flour

Brushing and garnishing:

• beaten egg
• 3/4 powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Method:

1. Heat the milk to 37 C. If using active dry yeast, heat to 45 C. Crumble the yeast in a large bowl and add the milk, stir ring until the yeast is dissolved. Add the orange yeast and juice, cottage cheese and sugar.
2. Beat the egg and add most to the dough liquid, reserving the rest for brushing.
3. Knead in most of the flour. The dough should be smooth but not to stiff. Cover and let rise for around 30 minutes.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with the remaining flour until smooth and elastic.
5. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 40 cm long rope. Braid the ropes into a long tight braid.
6. Form the dough into a round loaf on a greased or parchment - lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for around 30 minutes. Brush with the remaining egg.
7. Bake on the center oven rack for 20 - 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a rack. Cover and let cool. Stir the powdered sugar into the juice. Drizzle over the loaf.

* Oven temperature : 200 C