Egg Wash (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.

Butter or Margarine
For less shine but a good deep, golden-brown colour and very good flavour, brush butter on loaf just out of the oven.

Milk
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.

Toppings
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

Slashing
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.