Challah Recipe

This isn't particularly healthy, but I thought I'd give you the recipe anyway.

2 TBSP yeast
1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. salt
3 eggs, beaten
5 to 6 1/4 cups flour
1 egg
1 TBSP honey

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water, mixing with a spoon to combine. Add the sugar, oil, salt and the three beaten eggs, mixing well. Add 4 cups of the flour, gradually beating into the mixture. The batter will be lumpy and runny.

Add more flour, using the spoon to combine, until the dough is too thick to beat. The dough should be stiff but sticky. (I actually just used my Bosch to mix it.)

Turn the dough out onto a floured board. With floured hands, knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary to make a smooth and stretchy dough.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl with a cloth and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in bulk. This will take about 1 hour.

Punch dough down and divide into 2 parts. Divide each part into 3 equal pieces. Roll these pieces into strips about 12 inches long. Pinch 3 strips together at the top and then braid them together. Place on an sprayed cookie sheet. Repeat with the other 3 strips. Cover the 2 loaves and let rise for 1/2 hour.

Combine the egg and honey and brush the mixture over the loaves. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes, then enjoy!