= Challah =

This easy to make bread is beautiful, delicious, and the dough is a joy to work with and feel in your hands. The recipe below makes a single loaf, and took me 2 & 1/2 hours from the start to pulling the bread out of the oven, though it's good to leave a little more time so you're not rushed.

{{{
4 cups bread flour
2 eggs (plus an extra egg for a wash)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 & 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup & 2 tsp sugar
2 & 1/2 tsp yeast
3/4 cup + 2 Tbl warm water
}}}

=== Directions for Kitchen Aid table top stand mixer ===
Add yeast and 2 tsp sugar to warm water in mixing bowl.[[BR]]
Whisk gently to dissolve. The mixture should get foamy within a few minutes.[[BR]]
Use whisk attachment to add oil, eggs, the remaining sugar, and salt.[[BR]]
Change to dough hook and add flour 1/2-1 cup at a time.[[BR]]
Mix until all ingredients are combined into a consistent dough, 5-7 minutes.[[BR]]
Turn out onto a floured board and knead for a minute or two until the dough feels smooth.[[BR]]
Shape into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, cover with saran wrap, and let rise until doubled - usually an hour in a warm place.

I often use an oven just barely warmed to 150-170 and then turned off. You don't want the dough to exceed 100 degrees.

Preheat oven to 375 F.[[BR]]
Punch down and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.

Turn the dough out onto a board and create as many 12 inch long strands as you'd like to braid together - usually 3-6 depending on your braiding skills![[BR]]
Pinch the strands together at the starting end, braid the strands together, and then pinch the strands together at the end of the loaf and tuck underneath.[[BR]]
Transfer the loaf to an oiled cookie sheet.[[BR]]
At this point you can prepare the loaf for baking or let it rise for a few minutes, depending on how airy you like the loaf.[[BR]]
Beat the 3rd egg and brush the loaf. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.[[BR]]
Place the dough in the oven, and bake 35 minutes until golden brown, and it feels hollow when tapped underneath.[[BR]]
Allow to cool on a rack.