Classic French Brioche Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cake compressed yeast
• ¼ cup lukewarm water
• 1 quart all-purpose flour
• 7 large eggs
• ¾ pound unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Method

1. 1 Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Stir in enough flour to form a soft ball. Place in warm water until it rises to the top, about 1 hour.
2. 2 Make a well in remaining flour. Add butter, salt, sugar, and 4 eggs. Mix, gradually incorporating flour.
3. 3 Add remaining eggs one at a time, beating vigorously until dough loses stickiness.
4. 4 Add the yeast mixture and beat thoroughly. Cover and let rise until doubled, 4-5 hours.
5. 5 Punch down dough, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
6. 6 Shape dough and bake at 350°F until golden brown.