Heat milk and butter until warm, transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Stir in the yeast and brown sugar; let it rest for 5 minutes.

Stir in salt and 2 cups flour, mix for 3 minutes.

Gradually add another cup of flour to make a soft dough.

Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size.

Punch dough down and divide into equal pieces; roll each piece into a ball/log and let rise an additional 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine water and baking soda; bring to a boil.

Boil each in the solution for 2 minutes, turning after 1 minute.

Remove from pot and place on a greased baking sheet.

Brush with egg wash and cut a cross in the top.

Bake for 12 minutes at 400 degrees; reduce temperature to 350 degrees F and bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the loaves are evenly browned.

Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.