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1
Set aside 1 egg for glaze and raisins, if using.
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2
Using remaining ingredients above, prepare Basic Challah Dough, Prepared By Mixer.
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3
If youre adding raisins, rinse, drain, and dry them on paper towels.
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4
Oil a baking sheet.
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5
Knead dough lightly on a floured work surface.
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6
Pat dough into about a 9-inch square on work surface.
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7
Sprinkle evenly with raisins, if using, and pat them into dough.
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8
Roll dough up tightly from one end to the other, lightly flouring work surface if dough begins to stick.
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9
Roll dough back and forth on work surface, pressing with your palms, to form a smooth rope about 28 inches long.
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10
Wind rope around one of its ends in a spiral.
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11
Tuck other end underneath and pinch firmly to attach it to dough.
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12
Press whole loaf firmly with your hands to give it an even round shape.
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13
Carefully set loaf on oiled baking sheet.
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14
Cover shaped loaf with a warm, slightly damp towel.
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15
Let rise about 1 hour or until nearly doubled.
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16
Preheat oven to 375F.
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17
Beat remaining egg with a pinch of salt.
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18
Brush risen loaf gently with egg.
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19
Bake 15 minutes.
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20
Reduce heat to 350F.
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21
Bake about 30 more minutes or until top and bottom of bread are firm and bread sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
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22
Carefully transfer bread to rack and cool.
