NANA'S SAUSAGE BREAD

Steps:

• In frying pan, brown sausage over medium high heat.
• Drain drippings and let cool.
• Mix 2 eggs, basil, fennel seeds and mozzarella into cooled sausage and set aside.
• In large bowl, combine 5 cups flour, sugar, salt and yeast.
• In small sauce pan, heat water, milk and butter until hot to the touch (about 125°), and stir into dry mixture.
• Mix in only enough of the reserved 1 cup of flour to make a soft dough.
• Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).
• Cover dough and let rest for about 10 minutes.
• Divide dough in half, set one half aside.
• Roll half the dough into a 6" x 18" rectangle.
• Spoon half the sausage mixture evenly over the dough to within a 1/2 of the edges.
• Fold the dough over the sausage filling and overlap the dough by about 1 1/2", seal seam and ends by pinching dough together.
• Carefully transfer filled dough to a greased baking sheet in a horseshoe shape.
• With a very sharp knife or razor, make slashes in the top of dough about 1/2" deep and about 2" apart.
• Repeat rolling and filling with remaining piece of dough.
• Beat remaining egg and brush over both loves of bread.
• Lightly sprinkle 1 TB of Locatelli or Parmesan cheese over each loaf (optional).
• Cover loaves and let rise until doubled (about 40-50 minutes).
• Bake in preheated 375° oven for about 25-30 minutes or until done.
• Remove from baking sheets and cool slightly.
• Serve warm.
• Refrigerate leftovers.
• Bread can be made a day ahead of time and then warmed in the oven before serving.