Holla for Challah !!!

I do believe that Challah bread is by far my favorite sweet bread. It is addictive and by making it yourself you will gain a sincere sense of accomplishment. Plus, it looks so darn pretty when you braid it up. It is so easy and trust me if you take it step by step you can do it too. Take this to anyone's birthday, housewarming, potluck, anything and it will be a hit.

You start by dissolving 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 cup of hot water, 3 tablespoons of honey, and a dash of saffron.

Then pour that into a larger bowl and 3 tbs of melted butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1 beaten egg.

Then add 2 3/4 cups of white bread flour. Mix it together until it becomes smooth. Then add 1/4 cup more and mix through.

Turn it out onto your countertop. Kneed it for just a few minutes and then shape into a ball. Place in a warm spot covered with a tea towel and let rise for 40 minutes. After the first 40 minutes punch it down in the bowl a little until you see it deflate. Then cover again and rise for 40 more minutes.

Then cut it into three separate parts. Roll into rope lengths. Pinch one of the ends together and then begin braiding. Take your time with this as it can be very different braiding dough then it is hair. Once you have it braided cover with a tea towel again and let rise just 20 more minutes.

Then beat up one egg and add 1 tbs of water and brush the top of the loaf with it. Sprinkle some poppy seeds on top and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes until it is golden brown all over.

Take out this beauty from the oven and enjoy !!

I brought this fancy delicious bread to a work potluck luncheon with some jam...

Enjoy !!!