To give the crust a super shine:

• Brush it with one egg or egg white beaten with a little water before you put your ready-to-go bread in the oven.
• If you forget to do so before baking, you can still apply the egg wash 5 minutes before the bread is to come out of the oven.

For less shine but a good deep, golden-brown color and very good flavor, brush butter on loaf just out of the oven.

For a loaf that’s really delicious, brush the unbaked loaves with milk. It will make a slightly soft or tender crust, with a somewhat dull shine.

Brush unbaked loaves with an egg-white wash and then sprinkle with the topping of your choice...

• Poppy seed
• Caraway seed
• Sesame seed
• Basil
• Oregano
• Onion
• Garlic flakes

For a decorative, professional look, glaze and slash the top, after dough rises, with a single edge razor blade or sharp knife. Cut about 1/4 inch into the dough.

No matter what the recipe, make sure you always:

• Measure dry ingredients in a dry ingredients measuring cup or spoon.
• Measure liquid ingredients in see-through measuring cups at eye level.
• Use a thermometer for precise temperatures.
• Follow each recipe exactly.
• Preheat the oven