Today I tried out an eight strand bread plait, inspired by The Great British Bake Off! I used the basic bread dough recipe that I’ve already published, did the first rise and then set about making my plait….

Divide the dough into eight equal portions and roll out with your hands into strands about 40cm long. Number the strands from 1-8 from left to right.  When you move a strand it takes the number of its new position.

Now the fun starts…

Step 1: Place 8 under 7 and over 1

Step 2: Place 8 over 5

Step 3: Place 2 under 3 and over 8

Step 4: Place 1 over 4

Step 5: Place 7 under 6 and over 1

Repeat steps 2-5 until all the dough is braided. Leave to prove for another hour, brush with an egg wash and then bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 200C.