Portuguese Sweet Bread

Total Time

15 Hours

Servings

30

Ingredients

• 2 (0.6 ounce) cakes compressed fresh yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (40°C)
• 3 1/2 cups white sugar
• 6 eggs
• 20 cups plain flour
• 1 1/4 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups butter, melted
• 4 cups milk
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, beat 6 eggs and the sugar together until light and fluffy. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the dissolved yeast, the egg and sugar mixture and the cooled, melted butter. Slowly add the milk to the flour mixture until the dough is of working consistency.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until the dough is soft and elastic, about 15 minutes. Place into a well oiled bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside to rise overnight.
4. The next morning, preheat oven to 205°C. Grease two 10 inch round cake pans. Divide dough in half, shape into round loaves, and place into prepared pans. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
5. Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes, then lower temperature to 175°C and bake for another 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.