Max's Loaf

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Combine honey, buttermilk, water and salt in bowl of an electric mixer. Stir to melt honey. Add yeast, flour and toasted sunflower seeds.

2. Step 2

   Start beating, using dough hook, at moderate speed for 15 minutes. If dough seems a bit sticky, do not add more flour. It will become firm as it is kneaded and in rising.

3. Step 3

   Lightly flour work surface and put dough in center. Knead briefly and shape into ball.

4. Step 4

   Lightly flour top and bottom of ball and place it on baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let stand in warm but not too hot place for 20 minutes. Knead briefly, gather into ball and let rise a second time about 40 minutes.

5. Step 5

   Knead dough briefly, shaping into loaf or small rectangle. Blend egg yolk and milk. Brush top with egg mixture.

6. Step 6

   Lay out untoasted sunflower seeds on flat surface. Invert loaf onto sunflower seeds.

7. Step 7

   Lightly grease inside of 1½-quart loaf pan with melted butter. Carefully place loaf in pan, arranging so seeds remain on top. Cover lightly with clean towel or plastic wrap. Let stand in nondrafty place for 45 minutes or until risen about an inch above top of pan.

8. Step 8

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place loaf in the oven and bake about 40 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Unmold bread and let it stand seed side up on rack until cool.