• Mix starter, eggs, sugar and salt in a bowl. Melt butter in a pan, add milk if you're using to warm it up. Add the butter, water/milk to the starter mix and mix well.
• Add in the flour. Remember if it feels wildly wrong, the humidity where you live CAN affect these things so it should be a nice cohesive dough in the end but for now, mix it until it just comes together. Let it rest 20-30 minutes to hydrate, then knead well to make a smooth supple dough.
• Let rise until doubled, about 6-8 hours, then it's time to shape!

Shaping

• There are many ways to braid it and YouTube will give you tips on that...I like a simple three strand braid.
• Divide the dough into 3, and roll each into a log 18-24” long. “Seam” them together at one end and then start braiding like you're braiding hair. Outside to the inside, then from the other side, outside to the inside...when you get to the end, pinch them together and tuck them under.
• Place on a baking sheet, cover with a damp tea towel, and let rest until at least 1.5x original size, or about 2-3 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• If you would like to, add an egg wash and sprinkle with seeds. Beat the egg with water and brush over the top of the loaf. Sesame or poppy seeds make it beautiful!
• Bake for 20 minutes, turn it around and then bake another 10 minutes. I always take the internal temp to be sure as ovens run different. You're aiming for 185-190°F.