Challah

Difficulty: easy Prep Time: More than 15 Minutes Total Time: More der an hour
7-8 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp instant yeast
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup honey
2 1/4 cups warm water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp milk
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish

Mix together 6 cups flour, yeast and salt. Mix together honey, water, butter and 2 eggs. Add to dry ingredients. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as necessary to make a soft, smooth, non-sticky dough. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled (about an hour). Punch down and divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 3/4" thick. Braid two loaves using three ropes each (the photo shows a more complex 8-strand braid). Beat together remaining egg and milk and brush over loaves. Sprinkle each lightly with seeds. Place on greased or parchment-lined sheet pan. Cover with clean tea towel and let rise until doubled (about an hour). Bake 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until hollow sounding when knocked on the bottom. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 loaves.