Country Fair Egg Bread

1-1/2 C water
1/2 C butter, melted
2 t salt
1/4 C honey
2 T yeast
1/2 C lukewarm water
2 eggs, beaten
9 C flour

Pour water in with butter, salt and honey. Cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water, let stand til bubbles (about 5 min). Add yeast and beaten eggs. Add flour slowly. Turn out to floured board and knead until smooth and elastic.

Place in bowl, cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down and let rise again.

Shape into one large or 2 small loaves. Let rise again.

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, lower to 350 and bake 25 minutes.

Variations: 1. can add 1/3 C wheat germ
2. Use warm milk instead of water, increase honey to 1/2 C