Poppy Seed Plait

This week's loaf is a bit fancier than the previous ones and could come in handy over Easter or at the weekend.

1lb white flour

2tsps sugar

1tsp dried yeast

8fl oz warm milk

2oz margarine

1 egg

1 tbsp poppy seeds

Put a little of  the warm milk in a cup and add the sugar and yeast, leave to one side to get bubbly. Rub the margarine into the flour and add the rest of the milk and the egg, mix to make a dough and add the yeast mixture as soon as it is ready. Turn out onto a board to knead and add a little more flour if it is too sticky. Knead for 10 minutes. Place in a bowl and cover, leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Knock down the dough and divide in to three pieces. Roll each piece into a long strip and then plait them together. Place the plait on an oiled tin and brush the top with milk, sprinkle over the poppy seeds.

Bake at 190C for 40-45 minutes until the plait sounds hollow when knocked on the bottom. Leave to cool on a cooling rack before slicing and enjoying !