Instructions

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 4 eggs, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of poppy seeds (if using).
2. In a small saucepan, gently heat the 2 cups of milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling (about 110°F or 43°C). Remove from heat and sprinkle the packet of active dry yeast over the warm milk. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3. While the yeast is activating, in a large mixing bowl, combine the 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. In another bowl, melt the 1/2 cup of butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add the 4 eggs to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
5. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl with the melted butter and eggs. Stir gently to combine.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer until a shaggy dough begins to form.
7. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you are using poppy seeds, knead them into the dough during this step.
8. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
9. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
10. Shape each portion into a loaf by flattening it slightly and then rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
11. Place the shaped loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover them again with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
12. While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. After baking, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. Once cooled, slice the Kays Rock and Roller Houska and serve it as a festive treat during the holiday season. Enjoy your delicious Bohemian Christmas Bread!