Challah Bread as Easter Gifts

I made this bread this weekend in my Bosh Universal Mixer. Once a recipe requires me to use more than 6 cups of flour, it is time to pull out the Bosch. The Bosch also makes a second rise almost unnecessary and the texture it produces in bread is next to none.

I gave two of three loaves away to our neighbors for their Easter celebration.

Ingredients:

2 scant tablespoons instant yeast
1 3/4 cups warm water (no more than 110 degrees)
2/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
5 large eggs - plus one to use as an egg wash
1-2 teaspoons salt
8 - 8 1/2 cups flour

Method: Oven 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour. Keep it beside the mixer in preparation to add to the mixing bowl and all the wet ingredients.

In the mixing bowl, add the warm water, a little of the sugar, and the yeast--let the yeast bloom for about 10 minutes.

Add the oil and salt into the mixing bowl. Mix together well. Once mixed, add the 5 eggs one at a time.

Add the flour in increments, I added it in 1/2 cup amounts. Once the dough has come together, let the machine mix it until it is elastic but still slightly sticky (8-10 minutes or so).

Remove the dough and leave to rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place. Once risen, deflate and separate into the number of loaves you desire. I made 3 braided loaves. I measured the dough, so the loaves will all be the same size. Please remember you can make large rolls or simple bread loaves from this dough. I am giving you a guideline, the creativity is all up to you.

Let the loaves rise till doubled. Egg wash the loaves. Bake for 20 minutes in 375 degree oven.

Enjoy.

~Cookin Mum