Wonderful Tasting Challah

(Please note: If you have the Taste of Home baking book this recipe can be found on pg. 342)

Last week I was feeling.....spontaneous! I wanted to try something I had not yet tried. I had always seen the pictures of braided bread and thought it must be hard to do....I was wrong! It is easy, though it does take time waiting for the dough to rise etc.. but really it is not hard at all! Give it a try!

What I used:
2 pkgs. active dry yeast
1 Cup arm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp. salt
4 eggs
6 to 6- 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Topping:
1 egg
1 tsp. cold water
1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds, optional

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the oil, sugar, eggs and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to for a firm dough.

2. Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 min. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hr.

3. Punch dough down. Turn onto slightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each piece into 15" rope. Place three ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. (when braiding bread you start braiding in the middle finish that side then switch to other to finish the braid) Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hr.

4. Bet egg and cold water; brush over braids. Sprinkle with seads if desired. Bake at 350 for 30-35 min. or until golden brown. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool.

From our table to yours, bon appetite!