Miriam's Famous Braided Challah

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, combine the water and margarine. Heat until the margarine is melted and very warm, but not boiling.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix 3 cups flour, white sugar, brown sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the water and margarine mixture and beat well. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the dough comes together, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

4. 4

   Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into six equal pieces and roll into long ropes. Braid the pieces to make two large loaves. Place the loaves on two lightly greased cookie sheets, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size, about 40 minutes.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

6. 6

   Brush the risen loaves with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

• Calories 254.59 kcal — Moderate 13%
• Protein 8.62 g — Moderate 17%
• Carbohydrate 42.01 g 15%
• Total Fat 4.94 g — Moderate 6%
• Saturated Fat 1.27 g — Moderate 6%
• Trans Fat 0.59 g ▲ High --
• Cholesterol 46.8 mg — Moderate 16%
• Sodium 34.6 mg ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Dietary Fiber 2.47 g ⌄ Low Source 9%
• Total Sugars 5.98 g --
• Added Sugars 1.0 g ⌄ Low Source 2%
• Calcium 15.07 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Iron 2.06 mg — Moderate 11%
• Potassium 37.55 mg ⌄ Low Source 1%
• Vitamin A 56.44 mcg ⌄ Low Source 6%
• Vitamin C 0.05 mg ⌄ Low Source 0%
• Vitamin D 0.2 mcg ⌄ Low Source 1%

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten
• Sesame