Peel Away Bread

Instructions

1. Set aside 1 cup of flour.
2. Combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixing bowl.
3. Heat water and 4 tablespoons of butter until hot to the touch (125° to 130°F).
4. Stir the hot water and butter mixture into the dry ingredients.
5. Stir in the egg and add only enough of the reserved flour to make a soft dough.
6. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes, on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cover the dough and let it rise for 10 minutes.
8. Roll the dough into a 12-inch square on a lightly floured surface.
9. Brush the surface with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
10. Cut the dough into 25 squares.
11. Overlap the squares, butter side down, in a greased 12-cup fluted tube pan.
12. Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 10 minutes.
13. Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
14. Remove from the pan and serve.