Bubbie L's Challah

Ingredients

• 2 ounces yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 3 cups boiling water
• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 13-15 cups flour (about 5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 egg, beaten with
• 1 teaspoon water, and
• 1 teaspoon oil

Directions

1. 1

   Mix together yeast and 1/2 cup warm water. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix together, the boiling water, oil, sugar, vanilla and salt. Let cool to room temperature.

3. 3

   Once cooled down, add the eggs and the dissolved yeast. Mix well.

4. 4

   Add the flour, a little at a time, mixing throughout. Knead it well until smooth, adding a little extra water or flour as needed. Then add the extra tbl oil to the bowl, knead more, and it will be very smooth.

5. 5

   Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45-60 minutes.

6. 6

   If you take challah with a bracha, do so now.

7. 7

   Cut into 6 pieces, shape into challah loaves, and place in pans that are greased or covered with parchment paper. Let rise another 30 minutes. Brush each challah with the egg/water/oil mixture.

8. 8

   Bake at 300 F for 20 minutes, then increase temperature to 350F and bake for another 20 minutes.