CHALLAH BREAD
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 30 min. + cooling
MAKES: 32 servings
Ingredients
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
4 Eggs
6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 Egg
1 teaspoon cold water
1 tablespoon sesame or poppy seeds, optional
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the oil, sugar, salt, eggs and 4 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15-in. rope.
Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Beat egg and cold water; brush over braids. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices each).
Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 slice) equals 137 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 33 mg cholesterol, 232 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein.