Challah

By

adapted from Sunset Cook Book of Breads p 40

  • 2

Ingredients

  • Optional:
  • 1 package yeast (equals 2 1/4 tsp yeast)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten or 3-4 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 -5 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbs water
  • sesame or poppy seeds
  • raisins (Plump in OJ for a few minutes & drain)
  • 1 cup sugar mixed with 1 tbs cinnamon
  • softened butter

Preparation

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in water

Stir in salt, sugar, oil, eggs

Gradually beat in about 4 1/2 ups flour to make stiff dough

Knead til satiny

Let rest in greased bowl til doubled (about 1 1/2 hours)

Knead & let rest a few mins

Divide dough in half; braid 1/2 to make plain loaf

Roll other half into rectangle, spread with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar & raisins for raisin loaf

Cover & let rest til almost doubled (about 1 hour)

Brush with egg yolk mixture, sprinkle with seeds

Bake at 350' for 30-35 mins til golden & sounds hollow when tapped