Featured recipe from Marilu's table * Basic Challah

We posted a recipe for latkes and applesauce last year for Hanukkah – check it out. They're a great light supper, even if you don't celebrate the holiday.

Here's another wonderful recipe for Hanukkah that the whole family will enjoy. It takes a little time to make bread, but it's not difficult, and the results are worth it.

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Basic Challah

Yellow * Makes 4 loaves

4 packages dry yeast

3-1/2 cups warm water

1/2 cup milled cane sugar or Florida crystals

1-1/4 teaspoons salt

13 or 14 cups unbleached flour

6 cage-free eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon honey

poppy seeds (optional)

In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit until it dissolves. Add the sugar, salt, and half the flour and mix well. Beat 5 eggs and stir in with the oil. Add in the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time. Turn the dough onto a floured board and knead for 10 minutes. If the dough is too moist, add a little more flour When it becomes smooth, the dough is ready to rise.

Place it in a large bowl, smear the top with oil, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise for 1 hour. Set the raised dough on a baking sheet. Separate the dough into 4 portions (one for each loaf). Then separate each portion into three equal pieces, and roll them into thick ropes. Braid the three ropes into a loaf, and repeat for each portion of dough (for four braided loaves). Let the loaves rise for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350F. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and blend with the honey. Brush each loaf with the egg-honey glaze, sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown.