Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup milk
4 1/2 - 5 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

Heat milk and whisk in 11/2 cups flour, sugar, and yeast.
Cover with plastic and let stand for ~30 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time.
Add another cup flour, orange zest, and salt. Then add butter, vanilla, and orange juice. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth.
Coat a bowl with oil and roll dough in it to coat. Cover with plastic and let rise for 11/2 hour. Preheat oven to 400.
Make braids with the dough (2 loaves).
Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaves with mixture.
Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.