Challah Recipe

How to make it

---

• Makes 3 loaves
• Disolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and proof.
• Combine sugar 2 cups water, oil and salt. Blend well.
• Add 4 eggs and blend well.
• Add 5 cups of flour and blend.
• Add remaining flour one cup at a time until dough pulls together.
• Knead adding flour if necessary until dough is elastic and pulls away from the bowl. This is best done in a heavy duty mixer, but can be done by hand.
• Dough is kneaded when a golf ball size piece can be stretched without tearing.
• Place in greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.
• Punch down and knead by hand for another minute or two.
• Divide into thirds and shape into loaves.
• You may use bread pans or for a beautiful loaf, divide each of the three doughs into thirds and shape into ropes and braid.
• Let rise until doubled.
• Brush with egg wash (one beaten egg and a splash of water)
• Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds
• Bake in 350 oven until thermometer inserted in center reads 205 and top is golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
• Note: For holidays such as Hanukkah, many add raisins. This is done during kneading.