Uncle Tom's bread is a staple. It always goes over great at any and all events. He worked for days to make sure that Ryan and Sandra had a lot of loaves for there wedding.
Ingreadiants:
1 cup warm water (100 degrees - less than 130 degrees)
1 package instant dry yeast
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
4 cups flour
1 egg (beaten to brush on challah)
Poppy or sesame seeds, optional
Directions:
Mix warm water and yeast together with wooden spoon. Add sugar, salt, oil and egg - mix well. Slowly incorporate the flour, mixing well until all flour is absorbed. Cover and let stand for 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.
Divide dough into 3 equal pieces and gently roll into 3 long strips (approximately 14 inches). Braid strips together, gently tucking under ends. (Dough may also be shaped into 2 smaller challahs). Cover with towel and let rise again in a warm place (1 to 2 hours); or you may bake at this point if you are short of time.
Before baking, brush challah with beaten egg and, if desired, sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
(**Uncle Tom orginally got this message our of the Grand Rapids Press. It was titled 'Judy Selig's Challah Bread'. I will alway think of it as Uncle Tom's bread.)
