Challa Bread

• Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 pkg active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup very warm water
• 3 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt (optional)
• 3 large eggs
• 5 cups flour

Drizzle

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water

Recipe from Company's Coming: Gifts from the Kitchen

KHAH-lah is sometimes made in a four-strand braid, but you may find three strands easier. This is a showpiece loaf, large enough to make a perfect centerpiece. You can also divide the dough and make two smaller braids.

Directions

1. In small bowl, mix 1/2 cup water and 1 tsp sugar. Then sprinkle yeast. Let stand for 10 min.
2. In large bowl combine 1/2 cup water, and butter. Cool.
3. Beat in 2 tbsp sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture. Beat until smooth.
4. Add 2 c flour, knead in remaining 3 c until smooth.
5. Grease bowl and place dough in, turning once. Cover and rise in oven with light on for 1 hr 15 min.
6. Punch dough and divide into 3 ropes. Pinch together and braid. Cover and rise 35 min.
7. Combine egg and water, brush dough with mixture.
8. Bake at 400 degrees for 17-20 min.

Notes