Challah in a Hurry

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 30
Yield: 30 servings

Description

Do not wait a moment longer than you must: Quick-rise yeast hastens the process in this ultra-rich and sweet egg bread.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 cup margarine, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
3 egg, beaten
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
7 1/2 cups bread flour
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

1 In a medium bowl, blend together warm water, melted margarine, sugar, and 3 beaten eggs.
2 In a large bowl, mix together yeast, salt, and 7 cups of flour. Gradually stir in liquid ingredients, and mix until dough holds together.
3 Knead dough on a floured surface with remaining flour until smooth.
4 Split dough into 2 large pieces. Split 2 large pieces into 3 pieces each. Roll each third into a rope 3/4 inch thick and braid 3 strands together. Repeat. Place shaped dough onto greased cookie sheets. Brush dough with remaining beaten egg. Add poppy or sesame seeds, if desired. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5 Bake in a preheated 325-degree F (165-degrees C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes.