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1
Make the dough: In the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast and the warm water.
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2
Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
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3
When the water begins to bubble, stir in the sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and eggs.
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4
Add about one-third of the flour.
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5
Beat the dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes, adding the remaining flour in two more batches and occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl.
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Add the raisins, and beat for another 5 minutes on medium speed.
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7
Dont worry that the raisins will get pulverized: that wont happen when you use the dough hook.
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8
Stop beating and check the consistency of the dough.
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9
It should be starting to come together, but not be overly sticky.
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10
If it is too sticky, add a couple more tablespoons of flour and beat for another minute or so.
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11
Brush two large stainless steel bowls with some vegetable oil.
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12
Divide the dough into 2 equal-size balls.
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13
Place 1 ball of dough into each of the bowls.
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14
Cover each bowl with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
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15
Lightly oil two 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
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16
Place the balls into the greased pans, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and allow them to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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17
Preheat the oven to 350F.
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18
Make the topping: Stir together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
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19
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the loaves.
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Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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21
Remove the loaves from the oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes.
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22
Remove the loaves from the pans and transfer to a wire rack.
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Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
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24
Challah is a traditional Jewish bread, served on the Sabbath and other holidays as well.
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25
Very often it is braided, but it can be formed into many other shapes as well.
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26
At the Sabbath table, the head of the family sits down before a cloth-covered braided challah.
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The cloth is removed and a prayer is said before the loaf is sliced and served.
