Challah Bread

Chalah Bread 002

1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 pkg. yeast

1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup warm water
2 – 3 Tablespoons sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
poppy or sesame seeds
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tsp. water
Dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl which has first been rinsed with hot water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir to dissolve.
Combine with oil, warm water, sugar, salt, eggs and half of the flour. Beat well. Stir in remaining flour. Dough should be sticky. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a floured board and knead for 10 minutes, adding flour as needed.
Round up in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down, cover and let rise again until double, about 45 minutes.
Divide dough into 3 equal parts Shape into strands. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and braid loosely. Fasten ends securely. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double.

For a round bread make one long thick rope, place on a greased baking sheet, coil up like a snail starting from the center and working outwards. Tuck end under. Cover with a towel until double. Brush with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with seeds. Bake at 350°F until golden brown about 35 min.
I did it all in the food processor, This is so worth it.
Hope you try it.