Recipe Details

Summary

Name: Grandma Ida's Challah

Category: Breads

6 c FLOUR (approx)

1/2 c SUGAR

1 pk YEAST, DRY

1 ts SALT; HEAPING

1 EGG; WELL-BEATEN

1 1/3 c WATER; LUKEWARM

RAISINS, OPTIONAL

1/2 c OIL

Mix dry ingredients (yeast, flour, sugar, and salt) in large bowl,

using 4 cups of the flour. Make a well in the center. Into the well, put

the eggs, oil, and water. Stir to dampen flour. Add enough flour so that

dough becomes smooth and cleans sides of bowl if you are using a dough

hook.

Else knead on floured board. Place dough in oiled and let rise until

double in bulk. Divide dough in half and each half into 3 or 4 pieces. For

each loaf, roll out the pieces into ropes and braid from the middle

to the ends. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet or in greased loaf

pans. Brush the top of each loaf with egg glaze if desired. Allow to rise

again until double. Bake 30 - 45 min @ 350. ~ FOR BUNS: USE 2/3+ CUPS SUGAR

AND 2 EGGS. ~ ** TO DECREASE RISING TIME: ** PLACE DOUGH IN BOWL - DO NOT

GREASE! ** PLACE 1 CUP OF WATER IN CORNER OF MICROWAVE OVEN. ** COVER DOUGH

LOOSELY WITH SARAN OR DAMP LINT-FREE TOWEL. ** NUKE FOR 3 MINUTES @ 20%

POWER. (MAX OF 112 DEGREES!!!) ** LET REST FOR 3 MINUTES. ** NUKE FOR

ANOTHER 3 MINUTES @ 20% POWER. ** LET REST FOR 6 MINUTES. ** AFTER PUNCHING

DOWN AND BRAIDING, CAN LET RISE NORMALLY IN PANS OR

REPEAT NUKING PROCESS IF USING MICROWAVE SAFE PANS. ~ TO MAKE ROUND

LOAVES:

PAT DOUGH INTO A 9 X 13 RECTANGLE.

PAT RAISINS INTO THE DOUGH, THEN ROLL UP TIGHT FROM THE LONG SIDE TO 32".

MAKE A PINWHEEL OF IT, TUCKING THE OUTSIDE END UNDER THE LAST TURN.