• In the bowl of the bread machine place yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and warm water. Allow yeast to proof 5 minutes.
• Add ½ cup sugar, eggs, oil, flour, and salt on top.
• Put into bread machine and set to dough setting.
• When entire dough cycle is done (approx 1 ½ hours) i like to leave dough to rise up to 30 more minutes until dough has risen to the top of the lid.
• Remove dough from container and split into two.
• Split the first ball into 3 (or more) strands and braid. Place braided loaf into greased pan.
• Repeat with second dough ball.
• Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with desired topping, if using.
• Heat oven to 350ºF. Allow challah to rise while waiting for oven to heat.
• Bake challah for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Allow challah to cool for 5-10 minutes then remove from pan allow loaves to cool on cooling rack.

Egg Wash

• Scramble together one egg and one teaspoon of water. Brush onto dough before baking.