Fennel and Orange-Scented Challah

1. 1

   In the bowl of a standing mixer, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 cup of lukewarm water.

2. 2

   Using the paddle attachment, stir orange zest, juice and oil into yeast mixture, then add 2 eggs, 1 at a time, and remaining sugar and salt.

3. 3

   Switch to the dough hook and gradually add 6 cups of flour, kneading for about 5 minutes and adding more flour as needed to make a slightly sticky, smooth and elastic dough.

4. 4

   Grease a large bowl, turn dough into it and then turn the dough over to grease the top.

5. 5

   Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

6. 6

   When the dough has almost doubled, punch it down, remove it to a lightly floured counter, knead it briefly until smooth and divide it in half.

7. 7

   Roll each piece into a cylinder about 27 inches long, making sure there are no seams in the dough.

8. 8

   Bring one end of the dough up to the other and twist to form a spiral.

9. 9

   Push both ends together to make a squat 12-inch loaf.

10. 10

    Repeat with other piece of dough and arrange loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart.

11. 11

    You can also twist the long spirals into a circle if you like; the dough is very malleable.

12. 12

    Beat remaining egg and egg yolk and brush about half the mixture on the loaves, reserving the rest.

13. 13

    Let the dough rise uncovered another half-hour or overnight in refrigerator.

14. 14

    If dough was refrigerated, bring to room temperature.

15. 15

    Heat oven to 350 degrees and in a small bowl, combine fennel, poppy and sesame seeds.

16. 16

    Brush the loaves with egg again and sprinkle with seeds.

17. 17

    Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden and firm when tapped with a spatula.

18. 18

    Cool on a rack.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.