| 1 | 6 small loaves: grease 6 6x3" loaf pans. |
| 2 | Or, if desired, grease two cookie sheets to make free form loaves. |
| 3 | Divide dough into 6 parts. |
| 4 | Remove air pockets by working dough with hands and rolling into 6 10x5" rectangles. |
| 5 | Starting from shorter side, roll up, pinching edges firmly to seal. |
| 6 | For free-form loaves, taper ends slightly. |
| 7 | Place seam-side-down on prepared pan. |
| 8 | Cover; let rise in warm place until light and double in size, about 45 mins. |
| 9 | Heat over to 375 °F. |
| 10 | Bake for 25-35 mins., until loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. |
| 11 | Remove from pans immediately. |
| 12 | Cool on wire racks. |
| 13 | 6 small braids: grease 2 cookie sheets. |
| 14 | Divide dough into 6 parts. |
| 15 | Remove air pockets by working dough with hands. |
| 16 | Roll each part into an 6x3" rectangle. |
| 17 | Cut each rectangle lengthwise into 3 6x1" strips. |
| 18 | Braid strips togehter, tuck ends under and seal. |
| 19 | Repeat with remaining dough. |
| 20 | Place on prepared cookie sheets. |
| 21 | Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 45 mins. |
| 22 | Heat oven to 375 °F. |
| 23 | Bake for 25-35 mins. |
| 24 | Until loaves sound hollow when lightly tapped. |
| 25 | Remove from pans immediately; cool on wire racks. |
| 26 | Decorating directions to follow on next note. marilyn sulta |