Bread Machine Challah I

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 4 cups of bread flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Add the warm water, vegetable oil, honey, salt, bread flour, and yeast into the bread machine in the order listed.
2. Select the dough cycle and start the machine.
3. When the dough is finished, lightly flour a flat surface and roll the dough out to a ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cut the dough into 3 equal sections and roll each section into a rope.
5. Pinch the 3 ropes together at one end and braid them.
6. Pinch the ends together and tuck them under.
7. Place the challah on a greased baking sheet.
8. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it onto the challah. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
9. Bake the challah at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.

Interesting Facts

• Challah is a type of bread traditionally eaten by Jews on Shabbat and other special occasions.
• The traditional six-stranded braid symbolizes six days of work followed by the seventh day of rest.
• The three-stranded braid is a common symbol of the Holy Trinity.