Tasty Tuesday: Challah Bread

There's something to be said about Jewish holidays.  Firstly, the tradition behind them usually includes a fantastic story and a beautiful prayer.  Secondly, the food is out of this world!  My love for matzo ball soup and latkes not withstanding, challah bread has to be one of my favorite recipe finds ever.  It looks gorgeous and tastes even better.

Photo courtesy of familyfun.com.  Additional recipe and photos found here

While the bulk of my family isn't Jewish (save for one delightful cousin-in-law), we have been known to incorporate traditional Jewish foods into our semi-secular holiday meals.  One of our family favorites is the baked french toast casserole.  We've found that incorporating challah bread instead of basic white or wheat bread slices just brings the flavors and tastiness to a whole new level.

1 cups water
1/4 cup margarine
3.5 cups bread flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1.5 pkgs dry active yeast
1.5 tsp salt
2 eggs
(additional ingredients: 1/2 egg, beaten, and 1.5 tsp poppy seeds)

1. Combine water and margarine in small saucepan until margarine is melted but not boiling.
2. In a large bowl, mix half of the flour with white sugar, brown sugar, yeast, and salt.  Add margarine mix.  Beat well.  Add eggs, one at a time.
3. Stir in remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Turn out onto lightly floured surface, knead until smooth (roughly 8 minutes).
5. Lightly oil large bowl, place dough in bowl, turn to coat, cover with damp cloth and allow to rise (roughly 1 hour).
6. Divide into 3 equal pieces, roll each piece into long ropes, then braid together.  Place on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth again, and allow to rise for another 40 minutes.
7.  Brush with egg and sprinkle poppy seeds on top.  Bake 45 minutes at 350F.

For more information about challah bread, check out this children's site or this basic wikipedia entry.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What's your favorite holiday food?