CHALLAH

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, water and 1 tablespoons honey; stir and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour and salt; whisk to combine and set aside. In a small bowl, combine eggs, yolk, oil and the remaining 4 tablespoons honey; beat until well blended and set aside.

Add egg mixture and flour mixture to yeast (reserve ½ cup). With the dough hook attachment, process on speed 1 until mostly blended then increase to speed 3. Add 1 tablespoons of flour at a time until the dough clings to the hook, cleaning the sides of the bowl until slightly tacky and springy.

Remove the dough from the bowl and with greased hands, form a ball by pulling it under. Place it in a large oiled bowl and move it around to coat with oil. Cover with a clean dish towel and move to a draft-free area such as the oven with the temperature off. Let it rise for 1 ½ hours.

Remove from its spot and knock the air out. Cover and return to its draft-free spot. Let it rise again for another hour.

When the time is up, transfer to a lightly floured surface and punch it again. Sprinkle on more flour and knead for 2 minutes, adding flour if it’s too greasy. Form a ball by pulling under, weight the dough and then cut equally in half. Cut each half in 3 equal pieces (weigh each of them on kitchen scale) and form a ball by pulling under.

Flour a large surface such as a counter or table and, working one at a time, form an oblong shape. Roll each piece with even pressure until it reaches 18 inches. If ends retract, let the gluten rest a few minutes before working on it again.

When the 6 braids are done, gather the ends at the top, pinch and squeeze them together so they stay in place.

Take the right braid and fold it over the top to the left. Take the left braid and fold it over the top on the opposite side. Separate the 4 remaining braids in groups of two, leaving a space in the middle. Take the left braid and place it down the center. To replace it, take the 2nd braid on the right and fold it across the top again. Creating a space in the middle, bring the top right braid to the center. To replace it, take the 2nd braid from the left and place it across the top. Then take the top left braid and place it down the middle; replace it with the 2nd braid on the right, crossing over the others. Create a space in the middle and bring the top right braid down the center; replace it with the 2nd one on the left. Continue with the same pattern until the end is reached.

When you run out of braids, gather the remaining ends. Squeeze them together and fold them under nice and neat. Do the same with the other end where you started.

Carefully transfer the braided dough to a large baking sheet lined with a silicone mat. Cover and move it back to the oven for 45 minutes.

Later on, brush on the egg wash making sure to get all the nooks and crannies and sprinkle on some poppy seeds. If there are any spots where the seeds don’t stick, brush on a little bit more egg wash and sprinkle on some more seeds.

Transfer to a 350ºF preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Half way through baking, rotate the pan. Remove from the heat and place it on a wire rack to cool off.