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Breads

Challah Bread

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 5 cups unbleached flour, plus more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

  1. Dissolve honey in water in a large mixing bowl and stir in yeast.
  2. Let stand until a creamy layer forms on top, about 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in salt, olive oil, and beaten eggs.
  4. Add flour 1 cup at a time until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky.
  5. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
  6. Lightly oil a bowl, add dough, and turn to coat.
  7. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 90 minutes.
  8. Divide dough into 3 or 6 equal pieces.
  9. Roll each piece into a rope about 1 inch thick and 16 inches long.
  10. Braid the ropes together and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Cover and let rise until puffed, about 1 hour.
  12. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  13. Whisk egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over loaf.
  14. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.
  15. Bake until deeply browned.