Jewish - Old Family Secret Recipe - Challah

braided bread Note: 1/8 tsp. saffron can be dissolved in water for flavor & color.

• Ready In: 52 mins
• Serves: 8-12
• Yields: 1 challah

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 ounce  yeast (1 packet)
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 1 1⁄4 cups  lukewarm water
• 4 1⁄2 cups  sifted flour
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 2  eggs
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 1  egg yolk
• 4  tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions

1. Combine yeast, sugar, 1/4 cup water & let stand 5 minutes.
2. Sift flour & salt into bowl.
3. Make a well in center and drop yeast mixture inches.
4. Work it into the flour.
5. Knead on floured surface until smooth & elastic.
6. Place in bowl.
7. Brush oil on top.
8. Cover with towel & let rise 1 hour.
9. Punch down, cover & let rise until it doubles.
10. Divide into 3 parts.
11. Cover hands with flour and braid.
12. Cover & let rise in pan until double.
13. Brush with egg yolk & sprinkle with seeds.
14. Bake 375 degrees for 50 minutes.