Cookbook:Challah

Dough

 * 1) Put bread flour in a bowl. Mix in the ½ cup of sugar and the salt.
 * 2) In a small bowl or large measuring cup, add the 1 ½ cups of warm water. Mix in the 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and wait 8 minutes. The yeast mixture should be foamy.
 * 3) Briefly mix the yeast mixture, then mix it into the flour mixture.
 * 4) Mix in the eggs and oil.
 * 5) Add the remaining 1 cup warm water, and knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
 * 6) Let the dough rise, covered, for two-four hours.

Braiding

 * 1) Divide the dough into four parts. These will make 4 challahs.
 * 2) Take one part. Separate it into four pieces. Take each piece and roll it between your hands until it is a long strand. Attach the four strands together at one end by squeezing the ends together (see picture).
 * 3) Place on a piece of foil or a pan.
 * 4) Take the strand at the far left and braid by putting it over two strands to the right and then put it back under one strand to the left.
 * 5) Take the strand at the far right and  put it over two strands to the left and then put it back under one strand to the right.
 * 6) Repeat the last two steps until you reach the end of the strands.
 * 7) Do the same thing with the other three parts.

Finish

 * 1) Brush each loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
 * 2) Allow to rise for two hours.
 * 3) Bake in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.