challah bread (braided egg bread)

How To Make challah bread (braided egg bread)

• 
  Step 1
  (NOTE: This dough may be made in either a stand-mixer or a good, heavy-duty food processor. You may also use a large bowl, strong wooden spoon and muscle power, if you're so inclined!)
• Step 2
  In bowl of mixer fitted with dough hook or processor with blade, on low speed, combine flours, sugar and salt.
• 
  Step 3
  Mix yeast into cup of warm water and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
• 
  Step 4
  Add yeast mixture, 2 beaten eggs and oil to the flour mixture and beat or process until mixture forms a ball on dough hook or processor blade. Add extra flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if dough has trouble forming ball.
• 
  Step 5
  (This step isn't necessary, but if you like to knead your dough, turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead for a minute or two.)
• 
  Step 6
  Oil a large bowl.
• 
  Step 7
  Place ball of dough in oiled bowl and turn to grease surface of dough completely.
• Step 8
  Cover with plastic wrap or a clean, damp kitchen towel.
• 
  Step 9
  Place in a warm spot, away from drafts, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about two hours.
• Step 10
  Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface.
• 
  Step 11
  Cut dough into 3 equal pieces.
• Step 12
  Roll each piece to form a long fat rope.
• 
  Step 13
  Braid ropes together, tucking ends under loaf.
• Step 14
  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Step 15
  Place loaf on lined sheet pan; cover, place in warm spot and let rise for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
• Step 16
  Place oven rack in middle position; preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• 
  Step 17
  Brush loaf with beaten egg; sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
• 
  Step 18
  Bake until golden, about 30 minutes.
• 
  Step 19
  Remove from oven and immediately brush with softened butter or rub with a stick of butter to glaze (not drench!)
• 
  Step 20
  The "expert" bakers say you should let bread cool completely before slicing. Ha! That's not likely to ever happen at my house!
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