Step 1

In a large bowl or a bowl of a standing mixer sift the flour then add yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and egg.

Step 2

Drizzle in 1 cup of water and using a wooding spoon (or your hands) mix the ingredients into a shaggy mass.

Step 3

Remove any access dough from the wooden spoon and keep kneading the dough with your hands until soft and smooth. About 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Place the dough back in the dough, spray with oil spray and cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.

Step 5

Allow the dough to rest and rise for about 3-4 hours.

Step 6

Remove dough from the bowl and release air. Divide dough into 6 or 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 12" log.

Step 7

Braid 2 challahs and place each challah in a greased 8" loaf pan.

Step 8

Brush loaves with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds and let rest and rise for about 3-4 hours.

Step 9

Preheat oven to 400F and bake loaves for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 and keep baking for an additional 25 minutes.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and remove loaves from the pan. Place on a cooling rack.