-
1
Combine yeast and warm water in large mixing bowl or bowl of stand mixer.
-
2
Let stand until yeast is dissolved, about 5 minutes Add all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs and 2 egg yolks, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, sugar and salt.
-
3
Mix by hand or on low speed until blended.
-
4
Gradually stir in bread flour.
-
5
Knead for about 8 minutes by hand or with dough hook of mixer on medium speed until dough is smooth and elastic and doesn't stick to hands or bowl.
-
6
Transfer to oiled bowl and turn it over once to coat with oil.
-
7
Cover with plastic wrap.
-
8
Let rise in warm place until doubled in volume, about 1-1 1/2 hours.
-
9
Punch dough down, knead briefly, and refrigerate covered until it has again nearly doubled in volume, 4-12 hours.
-
10
To shape the dough: Divide dough into three pieces and weigh to be sure that they are of equal size.
-
11
On an unfloured work surface, roll into balls and let rest, covered loosely with plastic wrap, for ten minutes or so.
-
12
Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal.
-
13
(You can also bake this on a pizza stone with cornmeal-covered parchment, which is what I do.) Roll each ball into a 13-14 inch-long rope, about 1.
-
14
5 inches thick and slightly tapered at the ends.
-
15
Dust three dough ropes with rye flour (I just used AP flour) so that they will be more distinctly separated.
-
16
Place the three dough ropes side by side and pinch top ends together.
-
17
Lift left dough rope and place between right and middle ropes.
-
18
Lift right dough rope and place it between left and middle ropes.
-
19
Keep doing this until you reach the ends.
-
20
Tuck both ends of braid underneath loaf and set it on baking sheet.
-
21
Whisk together egg and salt and brush over the top of the loaf.
-
22
Don't skip this step--the egg will give you a shiny, beautifully browned challah loaf!
-
23
Loosely cover braid with lightly oiled plastic wrap.
-
24
Let rise in a warm place until not quite doubled, about 45 minutes.
-
25
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
-
26
Brush loaf again with egg wash.
-
27
If desired, sprinkle with poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
-
28
(I prefer poppy seeds.) Bake until crust is golden brown, and bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped, about 30-35 minutes.
-
29
Let cool on rack.
-
30
To freeze, allow to cool COMPLETELY and wrap thickly with plastic wrap.
-
31
To thaw, place in 200-250 degree oven until thawed, about 35-40 minutes.
