Ingredients for 12 servings:
1. 1 cup milk
2. 4 1/2-5 1/2 cups flour
3. 3/4 cup sugar
4. 1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
5. 3 eggs
6. 1 egg yolk
7. 1 teaspoon salt
8. 1/2 cup butter, softened
9. 2 tablespoons orange juice
10. 2 teaspoons orange zest
11. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Heat milk and whisk in 1½ cups flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Cover with plastic and let stand for ~30 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Add another cup flour, orange zest, and salt. Then add butter, vanilla, and orange juice. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth.
5. Coat a bowl with oil and roll dough in it to coat. Cover with plastic and let rise for 1½ hour. Preheat oven to 400.
6. Make braids with the dough (2 loaves).
7. Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaves with mixture.
8. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.