Challah

Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the water, yeast and honey. Stir and let sit for a minute to activate the yeast.
2. Mix eggs and flour in and stir until the ingredients start to come together (you can also mix using a dough hook attachment on your mixer).
3. Add salt and vegetable oil and continue to mix with a wooden spoon until dough forms a ball.
4. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead the dough, adding small amounts of flour if dough is too sticky, making 1/4 turns for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and not sticky (don't knead to the point the dough rips).
5. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, let rise in a warm area for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until dough doubles in size.

Braid the Challah (for 1 loaf): Note: You can practice this technique with ribbons or string first if you’re a little nervous. It’s easy once you get the hang of it.

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide in half to make your first loaf (NOTE: If not making the second loaf right away, put back in oiled bowl, cover and place in refrigerator*).
2. Divide your dough into 4 equal pieces, about 4 oz. each.
3. Roll strands into equal-length cylinders.
4. Pinch strands together at one end.
5. Take strand on far left, bring over two strands then weave the strand under the strand to your left.
6. Take strand on far right, bring over two strands and weave the strand under the strand to your right. Repeat until whole loaf is braided.
7. Tuck loose ends at end of braid underneath and pinch to keep in place.
8. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, let rise in a warm area for 1/2 hour.

Bake the Challah:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Brush egg white glaze on top of loaf (optional: sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top).
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning loaf once at 20 minutes to ensure bread bakes evenly.
4. Loaf is done when golden brown.