Rons Braided Challah Recipes

Steps:

• Place the egg whites and sugar in a large metal mixer bowl set over simmering water. Whisk constantly until the sugar melts and the mixture is very thin and warm. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Continue beating on low speed until cool.
• Beat in small pieces of cool but soft butter on medium speed. The mixture may curdle before coming together. Add the vanilla extract or other flavoring if using. (Re-beat occasionally while frosting a cake to maintain smooth texture.)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine honey, butter, eggs, salt, yeast mixture and 2 cups flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Starting at 1 end of braid, loosely wrap dough around itself to form a coil. Tuck ends under; pinch to seal. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°., For egg wash, whisk egg with water; brush over loaf. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.

Steps:

• Place ingredients into bread machine according to manufacturers directions.
• Set on dough cycle.
• Place dough onto a lightly floured board and divide into three equal parts.
• Stretch or roll each part into 9" ropes and braid.
• Place on greased cookie sheet, cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Mix together one egg yolk and a tablespoon of water and brush over bread, then sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
• Cool on wire rack.