If you brush the surface of the risen load with an egg glaze just before it is baked, it will brown better and have an attractive shine. The crust will be thin and fairly tender.
Shake together in a tightly closed jar, or beat with a fork in a bowl
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
½ tsp sugar
This will keep in the fridge for 2-4 days.
For more shine, brush on extra glaze after cooking while the bread is very hot.
An egg glaze sticks a topping onto a bread too. Brush the uncooked bread with the glaze then sprinkle with poopy seeds, seasame seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, coarse cornmeal etc.
Note: Take care! Topping such as kibbled grains harden during cooking. Do not break your teeth!