Challah for the Bread Machine

This is a great recipe from Father Dominic's (on PBS) cookbook "Breaking Bread." Using the bread machine makes it really easy, and it is so beautiful it makes a thoughtful present for a sick friend or a welcome addition to a potluck.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 35 mins
• Yields: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups water
• 1⁄4 cup  vegetable oil, plus
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1  egg
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 3 3⁄4 cups flour
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  yeast
• 1  egg, beaten
•  sesame or  poppy seed

Directions

1. Add water, oil, 1 egg, vanilla, salt, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast to bread machine. Select DOUGH/MANUAL cycle.
2. When cycle is complete, remove dough from machine to a lightly floured surface. If necessary, knead in enough flour to make dough easy to handle.
3. Divide dough into three equal portions, and roll each piece to a 24" rope. Braid ropes together, tucking ends underneath, on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise one hour (or until doubled in size), in a warm, draft free area. (I put a baking dish of hot water in the very bottom of my oven and then lay the baking sheet with the dough on the middle rack and close the door.).
4. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
5. Bake in preheated oven (375 degrees) for 30-35 minutes. (Check at 30!) Remove from baking sheet and allow to cool on a wire rack.