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1
Dough: In a large bowl, combine water, yeast and pinch of sugar.
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2
Let stand for 10 minutes or until foamy.
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3
Whisk in oil, 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar and eggs.
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4
Beat in 4 cups (1 L) of the flour, orange zest and salt.
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5
Gradually stir in 1/2 cup (125 mL) more of the flour to make a soft workable dough.
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6
Turn out onto floured work surface.
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7
Knead dough with palms of hands, pushing down and out and folding farthest side back toward you in a continual pattern until you can feel the dough becoming smoother.
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8
While kneading, add in just enough of remaining flour, 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, to make a firm dough (it shouldnt be sticky or wet but it shouldnt be dry, either).
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9
Continue kneading and adding flour for 10 to 15 minutes or until dough is smooth and silky.
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10
Place dough in a large oiled bowl, turning to coat lightly.
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11
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel.
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12
Place bowl in a warm place and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
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13
Roll dough into a 21- by 14-inch (52 by 35 cm) rectangle with long edge closest to you.
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14
Sprinkle with chocolate chips, walnuts, brown sugar and cinnamon, leaving a 1/4-inch (5 cm) border.
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15
Starting with edge closest to you, roll up dough jelly-roll style into a rope.
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16
Pinch edge and ends to seal.
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17
Then, starting from the center of the rope, gently squeeze the dough as you move your hands toward the ends, stretching the rope slightly as you go until the rope is 30 inches (75 cm) long.
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18
Twist the roll into a knot, tucking the end through the center.
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19
Carefully transfer to prepared baking sheet.
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20
Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise again for 30 minutes or until the dent does not fill in when dough is lightly pressed with a fingertip (do not let double in bulk).
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21
Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
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22
Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk with water.
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23
Brush over top of loaf.
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24
Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until golden brown and loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
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25
Transfer loaf to a wire rack and let cool.
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26
Variation
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27
Add an additional 1/2 cup (125 mL) chocolate chips.
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28
Once the dough has risen the first time, divide it in half and make two smaller loaves instead of one.
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29
Roll up as directed and stretch each rope until it is 22 inches (55 cm) long.
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30
Shape and place on separate baking sheets.
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31
Let rise as directed.
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32
Reduce baking time to 30 to 35 minutes.
