Manfred Loeb's Challah ( Joan Nathan)

petlover's Note:

From the Joan Nathan Book " Jewish Cooking in America". I made this using the Kitchen Aid.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 challahs

• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115 F)
• 5 -6 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• poppy seed (optional)
• sesame seed (optional)

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water with a big pinch of sugar.
2. Place the flour in a large bowl. Add the dissolved yeast and stir with a spoon. Add the remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and vegetable shortening. Beat about 1 minute and then mix by hand. When the dough begins to leave the side of the bowl, turn it onto a lightly floured surface to knead and Knead for about 15 minutes until soft, adding more water or flour as necessary.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough over so that the entire surface is lightly greased. Cover with a cloth. Let rise in a warm place for an hour or more , until the dough is doubled . Punch down. Divide into 2 balls.
4. Preheat Oven to 375°F.
5. Divide each ball into three pieces. Roll each piece into a (appox 12") strand and braid, then tuck in ends. ( he gives a six strand braiding method that is really confusing so I use the 3 strand method).
6. Place braid onto either cornmeal sprinkled or parchment paper lined ( I use parchment paper) sheet. Use 3rd egg ( beaten with a bit of water) and brush ( using a pastry brush) the Challah. If using sesame or poppy seeds, sprinkle over at this time. Cover with a plastic sheet ( spray with Pam first) and let rise 30 minutes.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.