GERMAN KASTENWEISSBROT (WHITE LOAF BREAD)

Steps:

• Measure out the milk and add yeast and sugar; set aside for about 10 minutes or until frothy (if it doesn't get frothy, start over- your yeast is dead or your milk was too hot and killed the yeast).
• Mix together the yeast mixture with salt, eggs and egg yolk, creme fraiche.
• Combine the flour and the wet mixture until a dough forms (you may need a little extra flour depending upon the humidity that day).
• Knead on a floured board, adding extra flour if needed to keep from being too sticky, until a smooth ball forms.
• Place in a greased bowl, flip over once, and cover with either a damp clean towel or plastic wrap that has first been srayed with nonstick spray.
• Let rise until doubled in bulk- approx 1 or 1 1/2 hours.
• Punch down and knead again on a floured surface.
• Grease a 30cm long loaf pan well and sprinkle with dry breadcrumbs.
• Set dough into the pan and even out the top.
• Cover as before and let rise another hour.
• Heat oven to 175 C.
• Remove cover and using a sharp knife, make slashes in the dough every 1 cm.
• Spritz with a bit of water (this will make the crust crisp up).
• Bake on the second rack of your oven for about 40 minutes.