Slavski Kolac: Serbian Slava Bread
A traditional Serbian bread, significant for the Patro Saint Day, is prepared for festive occasions.
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 F.
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Whisk warm water, flour, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl; let froth for 10 minutes.
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In a stand mixer, combine warm water, butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest and juice, and salt; mix well.
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Switch to a dough hook. Incorporate the proofed yeast mixture and 4 cups flour; mix until combined.
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Gradually add remaining flour until a stiff ball forms, then knead on medium-high for 5 minutes or by hand for 10 minutes until smooth.
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Place dough in a large, buttered bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
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After first rise, briefly knead dough. Reserve a portion, then form a round loaf and place in a greased 9-inch round, 3-inch deep pan.
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Using the reserved dough, decorate the loaf's edge with a braid and the center with a cross and four backward Cs in each quadrant.
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Let the decorated loaf rise again until doubled (about 1 hour).
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Mix an egg with water for an egg wash. Lightly brush the loaf.
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Bake for 1 hour or until nicely brown.
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Remove from pan when cool enough to handle, then cool on a wire rack.