Semisweet Braids

• 1½ cups milk of your choice, scalded and cooled to 110° to 115°F
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Mix the warm milk and sugar together in a large mixing bowl; sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let stand 10 minutes. Add the beaten eggs, butter, and salt and mix well. Add 3 cups of the flour and mix well with an electric mixer at medium-low speed. Let this starter stand 30 minutes to initiate the fermentation.

Put 2 more cups of the flour on the counter and make a well in it.