Old Bear’s Challah Recipe

8 cups flour

3 Tablespoon gluten

2 Tablespoons yeast

2 3/4 cup water (more or less)

1 Tablespoon salt

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup honey

4 egg yolks

1/2 cup margarine, melted

1 egg yolk beaten with 1 1/2 Tbsp water

1. Combine first three ingredients in large mixing bowl.

2. Beat 4 egg yolks in a large (2 quart) graduated measuring cup. Add water to make 3 cups total. Add salt, sugar, and honey. Melt margarine in microwave. Add to egg yolk mixture and beat well to combine all liquid ingredients.

3. Pour liquid ingredients into the bowl containing the flour and yeast. Mix well to form a dough. Turn out on floured surface and knead.

4. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour.

5. Turn out onto floured surface and knead again for at least 15 minutes or until the dough is nice and stretchy.

6. Again, place in oiled bowl and allow to rise for about 30 minutes.

7. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead briefly and shape into challah braid(s) as desired.

8. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Place braid(s) on baking sheet. Cover lightly with plastic wrap which has been lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Allow to rise in a warm place for at least one hour.

9. Brush braid(s) with an egg wash made from one egg yolk and 1 1/2 Tablespoons of water beaten together.

10. Bake in 375-degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Baking time will vary depending upon the size and shape of the challah.

Makes two large braided challah (or other combinations of shaped loaves as desired.)

WLR 7/13/01