Bernstein Challah

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. yeast (not the rapid kind)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (canola, grape seed, vegetable etc)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cups bread flour (you can use all purpose flour but won't be as good)
• 1 egg, beaten slightly (for egg wash)

Method

1. In the bowl of your kitchen aid mixer with dough hook, add 3/4 cup warm water, 1 1/2 Tbsp. yeast (not the rapid kind), 1 1/2 Tbsp. Salt, 1 egg, 1/4 cup neutral oil, 1/4 cup honey and 3 cups bread flour.
2. Mix slowly at first the increase speed until dough is all combined.
3. Leave in bowl, cover with plastic wrap and poke a few holes to let it breathe.
4. Set on the counter for 2-3 hrs. until the dough about doubles in size.
5. Then divide dough in half, then divide each half into thirds.
6. Take each piece of dough and roll into a snake about a foot long.
7. Take three ropes an braid them.
8. Repeat for second challah.
9. Place each challah in a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and let rise for 30 min.
10. Then preheat oven to 350.
11. While oven is preheating take an egg and beat it slightly.
12. Brush both challahs with egg wash and top with anything or nothing.
13. Bake on middle rack position for 25 min.