Recipe Title: Challah Submitted by: Jeremy Epstein Recipe Author: Unknown Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm (not hot!) water - about 100 degrees 2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast (one packet, preferably NOT quick rise) 1/3 cup honey or date molasses 1/3 cup canola oil 2 eggs beaten (save aside 1 Tbsp) 4 cups bread flour 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chopped dates or raisins (optional) 1 Tbsp turbinado sugar or sesame seeds Instructions: Mix water & honey in bowl of stand mixer with dough hook; sprinkle yeast on top, and leave to sit 10 minutes (should bubble a little bit) Mix in oil & eggs (except the 1 Tbsp saved aside) & salt Mix in flour to combine thoughrouly (adding more flour if necessary until it's soft but not sticky) Knead for 3-4 minutes on medium speed Briefly knead in the dates or raisins (optional) Put in a large lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a towel for about 45-60 minutes, preferably in a warm place, until it doubles - best in an oven set to proof, but any warm place will do Punch down the dough, divide in half, then divide each half in thirds, and braid each group of three Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and again allow to rise 30-45 minutes While the dough is rising, preheat oven to 350 degrees, paint on the remaining egg, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar or sesame seeds Bake 18 minutes, until light brown (if you have a meat thermometer, until 175-180 degrees) Try not to eat the whole thing in one sitting!