Bread Machine Challah

Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 4 hrs Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons yeast (not rapid rise, just the regular jar type)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 -3 teaspoons salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 4 cups flour
• 1 egg (to brush over challah prior to baking)
• poppy seed (optional)
• raisins (optional)

Recipe

• 1 place first seven ingredients into bread machine in the order recommended by bread machine manufacturer.
• 2 set the machine to sweet dough or dough (if no sweet dough option - if using raisins, use dough raisin setting adding raisins at appropriate time).
• 3 after the machine is done, let the dough rise again in the machine.
• 4 punch down dough.
• 5 take it out and put dough into an oiled bowl and cover it.
• 6 let stand for about an hour.
• 7 punch it down again and divide in half to make 2 medium loaves or make 1 large loaf.
• 8 divide dough into three sections per loaf and roll into ropes.
• 9 braid challah*.
• 10 place braided challah on greased cookie sheet, cover and let rise for an hour.
• 11 before baking, brush with a beaten egg mixed with a little water or remaining egg mixed with a little water. sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
• 12 bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes, until golden brown.
• 13 place on wire rack to cool completely.
• 14 * for rosh hashanah do not braid but form challah into a round shape and add raisins (omit seeds).