Sweet Loaf Plait

Allow the ingredients to come to room temperature.

Put the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the yeast to the well (crumble fresh yeast if using), sprinkle over 2 tbsp sugar and stir in the milk. Dot the butter around the edge of the flour, cover and leave in a warm place for around 30 minutes to start working, so that cracks appear in the surface.

Add the eggs and the rest of the sugar, and finish off with the salt. Knead to form a smooth, even dough. If necessary, add a little more flour so that the dough comes away from the edge of the bowl. Cover and leave in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C in a fan oven), 375°F, gas 5 and line a baking tray with grease-proof paper.

Knead the dough thoroughly once more and divide into 3 even pieces. Roll each piece into a long sausage shape. Line these up on the work surface and begin the plait, starting in the centre. Fold the ends underneath and place the bread on the baking tray.

Brush with egg yolk and bake in the oven for around 45 minutes until golden brown (cocktail stick test).