Raisin Challah

The Women's Group of Temple Beth Am, Buffalo, NY
Recipe by
The Women's Group of Temple Beth Am, Buffalo, NY

In the mood for a raisin challah? This recipe will sweeten every Shabbat.

Ingredients
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4-5 tablespoons honey (optional)
2 1/2 cups warm water
2 envelopes yeast
1/2 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
12 cups flour
2 egg yolks and dash of water
Directions
  1. Dissolve sugar, salt, and honey in very warm water.
  2. Add yeast. Add oil, then beaten eggs.
  3. Gradually add flour until soft dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes on floured surface.
  4. Let rise 1 hour or until double in lightly-oiled bowl (also top of dough lightly oiled).
  5. Shape into 3 braided loaves or round "crowns."
  6. Brush with egg yolk mixture before baking for 30-40 minutes at 350°.