Challah

I thought it was time that I should try and make this classic bread. It turned out to not to too difficult. This recipe required more hands on time compared to other bread recipes, but the crust and taste was well worth it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

First, combine all ingredients in a bowl and knead into an elastic dough.

Place the dough in a bowl.

Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours.The dough should double in size.

The dough after it has time to rise.

Remove dough from bowl and divide into 4 - 6" logs.

Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 10 minutes.

Roll each into 20" ropes and allow to rest.

Braid the strands as I have below. I messed up the complicated 4 braid below, but in the end it will still taste and look great.

Place on a baking sheet that is either lightly greased or lined with parchment paper.

Cover and allow to rise for 90 minutes.

In the mean time beat together an egg with a tablespoon of water.

When the dough has risen, brush the glaze over the loaf. The oven should be preheated to 375F.

Nest 2 baking pans to avoid over browning of the bread. Place in oven for 20 minutes. Then tent the bread for an additional 25 minutes.

Enjoy.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of lukewarm water 110F
6 tablespoons of vegetable oil
4 cups of all purpose flour
1/4 cup of honey
2 large eggs
1.5 tablespoons of salt
1 tablespoon of instant yeast
1 egg with a tablespoon of cold water for the glaze.