Easy Egg Bread

I wanted to try a new bread so I thought I'd try this egg bread. It is huuuuuuuuge, easy, and yummy. 

4 to 4½ cups bread flour

2¼ tsp yeast

2 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

½ cup water

½ cup milk

2 tbsp butter

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 egg yolk and 1 tsp milk, whisked together (egg wash)

1. In large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well.
2. In saucepan, heat water, milk and shortening/butter until warm (120-130°F; shortening/butter does not need to melt).
3. Add to flour mixture.
4. Slowly add slightly beaten eggs.
5. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed.
6. By hand, gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a firm dough.
7.  Knead on floured surface until smooth and elastic, 5 to 8 minutes.
8. Place dough in lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease top.
9. Cover; let rise about an hour.
10. Punch down dough.
11. Divide into 3 parts.
12. On lightly floured surface, roll each third to a 15-inch rope.
13. On greased cookie sheet loosely braid from center to ends.
14.  Pinch ends and tuck under to seal.
15. Cover; let rise in warm place until indentation remains after lightly touching, about 30-45 minutes.
16. Brush with egg wash.
17. Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
18. Remove from cookie sheet; cool on wire rack.