Choreg Armenian Sweet Pastry

Description
From my Grandmother's collection. Date on card says this is a family favorite and one made for bridal showers. Dated 1924.

Ingredients

 * 7 cups flour
 * 3 teaspoons salt
 * 1 teaspoon mahleb spice
 * 1-1/4 cup milk
 * 1/2 cup unsalted butter
 * 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
 * 1 cup sugar
 * 2 packages rapid-rise yeast
 * 1/2 cup warm water
 * 4 large eggs
 * Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

 * 1) In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and mahleb. In a medium saucepan, heat milk until hot.
 * 2) Add butter, shortening and sugar, and stir until sugar is dissolved.
 * 3) Remove from heat and set aside. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water.
 * 4) Add a bit of sugar to activate the yeast. The mixture should become foamy.
 * 5) Make a well in the center of the flour.
 * 6) Add the eggs and the milk mixture to the flour. Pour in the activated yeast. Stir to blend well.
 * 7) Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
 * 8) The dough should be slightly sticky, not dry.
 * 9) Place the dough in a large greased bowl.
 * 10) Pat top of dough with a bit of oil to prevent sticking to aluminum foil.
 * 11) Cover the bowl with foil and then a dish towel.
 * 12) Let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
 * 13) Break off a small amount of dough and shape into pretzels or braids.
 * 14) Put rolls on a baking sheet and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
 * 15) Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
 * 16) Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Contributed by
Cat's Recipes Y-Group