Mama's Challah

Mix in tall glass: 3 T.

flour, 2 T.

sugar, both packages of yeast.

Stir mixture slightly then add cup lukewarm water (100-115.

measure using liquid thermometer) Let this bubble & rise to brim of glass for about 10 minutes.

(NOTE: This should bubble up to the top.

If it doesnt start to foam within in a few minutes, try again with warmer water.) In the meantime.In medium bowl (bowl A), combine 3 cups flour and 2 tsp. saltIn larger bowl (bowl B) whisk together brown sugar, oil, 2 eggsPour contents from bowl A into bowl BAdd contents of glass into bowl BAdd another 1 cups lukewarm water (110-115 degrees) into bowl BAdd 4 more cups flour into bowl BMix everything with wooden spoon at quick pace! When its too thick to mix with spoon, transfer dough to floured wooden board or other surface for about 5 minutes.Keep hands floured, add small amounts flour by hand when dough gets sticky.

It should be smoothnot too loose, not too, firm, not too sticky.

Scrap off bits of dough from board, so surface is clean, & smooth.

Form into a round.Lightly oil another large bowl, place dough in bowl, turn over to coat with oil.Cover bowl with lightly damp towel.Have warm oven ready (NOTE: preheat oven to 150 then turn off before putting dough in)Place bowl in oven for 45 minutes / 1 hour.

At 45 minutes check to see if doubled in size.Remove bowl from oven, dip fist into flour, very gently punch 10-12 times to punch out air.Knead again on floured board 5 minutes, add a bit of oil to bowl again, make round; return dough to bowl, cover, return to oven, let rise again 30/40ish minutes.Punch down again, knead into a round.

Gently divide into 2 loaves with sharp knife do not saw.

Pre-heat oven to 350.Place 1 loaf aside in bowl.

With remaining loaf, knead with 1 hand into ball (NOTE: if using raisins, add them here), then divide into 3 pieces, braid on lightly floured board.

Roll out, fatter in middle, skinny on ends of each rope.

Pinch ends together, tuck under.

Repeat with other loaf.Place on oiled cookie sheet.

Make egg wash mix 1 egg & a bit of water, brush over loaves.

Bake 30 minutes.