Challah Braided Egg Bread

Challah bread is one of the most satisfying things i make. I usually knead it in my kenwood mixer, but there's nothing like kneading by hand to help relieve stress.

Steps

Mix together 2 1 / 2 cups flour with the sugar , salt and yeast.

There is no need to dissolve the yeast first.

Add the water and oil.

Mix in 4 eggs.

Beat in another 1 1 / 2 cups of flour very well.

Add 4-5 cups of flour , until a very soft dough is formed.

Knead for about 10 minutes.

If using the dough hook , knead for about 7 minutes.

Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Alternately , let rise in the refrigerator overnight and then let warm to room temperature for about 1 or 2 hours.

Decide how many challahs you want , how many strands you want to braid in each.

Make a dough ball for each strand.

Roll them into ropes and braid.

Let rise covered for 1 / 2-1 hour.

Beat the remaining egg and brush on the challah.

Bake in a preheated oven at 325 f for 30 minutes.

Apply egg wash once more and bake for another 30 minutes at 350 f.

This dough is enough for 4 medium sized challahs.

You can really let your imagination run rampant here , making intricate braids , pl.

Ingredients

flour, sugar, salt, yeast, water, oil, eggs