Cinnamon And Cranberry Challah

Recipe is from ocean spray -- a festive bread using craisins. makes 2 braided loaves. prep time includes rising time for dough.

Stir warm water , yeast and sugar together in a small mixing bowl.

Let stand 10 minutes , until mixture foams.

Whisk together 3 eggs , 1 egg white , oil , salt , and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.

Stir in yeast mixture and 5 1 / 4 cups flour until soft dough forms.

Add sweetened dried cranberries and with floured hands , knead dough.

Gradually add remaining 3 / 4 cup flour , knead dough until smooth and elastic , about 5 minutes.

Lightly grease a large mixing bowl.

Place dough in bowl and roll around so that it is lightly coated with oil.

Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm place until doubled in size , about 2 hours.

Punch down dough.

Divide in half.

Each half will make one braided loaf.

To make a single braid.

Divide half into 3 equal pieces.

Roll each into a 14-inch rope.

Braid dough and pinch ends to seal.

Place on a greased baking sheet.

Repeat steps with remaining dough.

Cover shaped loaves and let rise in a warm place until doubled in .

warm water, yeast, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, salt, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, dried sweetened cranberries