-
To make the dough: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients — by hand, mixer, or bread machine — to make a soft, smooth dough.
-
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, and let it rise for 60 to 90 minutes, until it's noticeably puffy.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; divide it into two pieces, one twice as large as the other. Take the larger piece, roll into a ball, and place it into a well-greased 9" x 2" round pan.
-
Divide the other piece of dough into three equal pieces, and roll each out into a 20" strand; use the three strands to create one long braid.
-
Place the braid around the inside edge of the pan, or use it to form a cross over the top of the larger piece of dough.
-
Cover the loaf and let it rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F, with a rack in the center.
-
To make the topping: In a small bowl, beat the egg with the water. Brush the mixture gently over the top of the risen loaf, and sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar.
-
Bake the bread for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it's a rich golden brown. Remove it from the oven, and turn it out of the pan onto a rack to cool before cutting.
