Around the World in 80 Foods: Braided "Zopf" Loaf From Switzerland

The country of Switzerland, for many of us, is a land shrouded in mystery and a touch of confusion. "What language do they speak?" we might ask. Well, try which one! The Swiss people speak everything from German to French and Italian. Where did this nation's inhabitants come from? 

"Uhhhhh...which inhabitants?" my pal Lydia (the self-proclaimed historian) asks. 

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be the expert here?" I exclaim. She gives me a sour look and screws up her face.

"Well, acording to ancient sources, Switzerland was a crossroads for Germanic, Aryan, Celtic and Roman peoples. 

"Does that include Hannibal?" I muse.

"Well...yes, actually. Hannibal crossed the SWISS Alps in an attempt to defeat Rome. It would have worked if he hadn't lost so many of his elephants!"

"So that poses one final question..." I say thoughtfully. "What are the origins of this particular bread recipe? Did Hannibal bring it with him from Carthage?"

Lydia smiles. "In the grand tradition of all things Swiss...your guess is as good as mine! But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy it any more than if we did know where it came from!

You will need:

1 Tbsp. yeast

1 1/3 cups warm (120-130 degrees) milk

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. butter

1 egg

Dissolve 1 tsp. sugar in a bowl with the warm milk. Proof your yeast in the milk until frothy and creamy, about 10 minutes. Whisk an egg in a glass measuring cup and add to the yeast mixture. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add to yeast mixture.In a separate bowl combine the flour, salt and 1 tsp. sugar. Add to the yeast mixture 1/2 cup at a time. When mixture forms a rough dough, place on a wooden cutting board and knead approximately 10 minutes until smooth and the dough springs back lightly when poked with your finger. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 14" rope. Braid the dough, cover with a towel and let raise 1 hr. Afterwards, place on a greased baking sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven for approximately 1/2 an hour (depending on your elevation) until golden and crust tapped lightly onthe bottom sounds hollow..If desired, mix 1 egg with 1-2 Tbsp. milk and brush over loaf before baking. Serve warm.