Challah -so delicious

As you see on my blog, the recipes I generally post are "healthy" ones,  this one, well, its just a simple bread, not healthy but delicious,  What i did to make it as healthy as you can is that I used only organic products, the flour was organic bread flour, the salt was sea salt and so on, If a recipe you want to make is not on the "healthy" list begin with organic products so at least there are no preservatives, gmo or items you don't want in your body.  Now go Enjoy it.

Here's the recipe, its right here or you can open this link and download it:

Marilyn's Challah

     2 envelopes yeast
     scant ½ sugar + 2 tsp. for egg wash
     7 ¾ -8 cup flour (bread flour)
     2 ¼  cup warm water
     ½  cup+1 tbs. oil
     1 ¾  tbs. salt
     3 eggs-(save 1/2 egg for wash)
     poppy or sesame seeds – optional

1.  Place yeast, tsp. sugar and 2 tsp. flour in tall glass-mix with ¾  cup warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.

2.   Place 5 cups flour in bowl or mixer bowl add:

     1 1/2 cups warm water

     1/2 cup oil

     scant 1/2 cup sugar

     1 3/4 tbs salt

     2 lightly beaten eggs

             mix well by hand or machine

 3.  Add yeast mixture - mix and add 2 ¼ - 2 ½  cups flour  gradually.  Knead until smooth and elastic - about 10 minutes  by hand - 5 minutes by machine.

 4.  Cover with plastic wrap and set in warm place for 2 ½ hours or refrigerate overnight.

 5.  Knock down and add about ½ cup flour on board as you  knead again. Dough should be soft but not sticky.

 6. Oil top of dough in bowl with ½  tbs. oil and cover to rise again for 1 ½  hours.

 7. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Grease sheet.
       a. Each piece can be rolled into long strip about 2" wide
          and rolled around itself for a round challah.
       b. Each piece can be divided into 6 strips to make 2
          braids - lay one braid over the other and pinch ends
          and fold under challah.
       c. Piece can be placed in greased loaf pan.

  Two challahs can be placed on one greased cookie sheet.

  8. Cover and let rise 1 hour.

  9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  10 Combine ½ egg and 2 tsp. sugar and brush tops - sprinkle with seeds - Bake 45 minutes.

  Let cool and enjoy!                 Freezes very well.

The other recipe Honey, apple Challah was one I got from the Tori Avey blog.  I subscribed to her list and daily receive wonderful recipes.  Here is the link for the delicious apple challah.  

This challah was delicious - but took a lot longer of my time to roll out and stuff, but everyone raved about it.  

Try them both and see what you prefer.   When I cook the first one, I like to put sesame seeds  on top of it, but be creative, the raisins inside yesterday were delicious.

May you all be inscribed for a healthy new year.  From my family to yours. L'Shana Tova   May it be a sweet new year

Bonnie