Challah Braid

Step 1: Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup Warm water.

Step 2: Add 1/2 cup water, sugar, salt, egg, shortening and 1 1/4 cup flour. Mix till smooth.

Step 3: Add enough remaining dough to make dough easy to handle.

Step 4: Turn out dough into lightly floured, cloth covered surface and knead till smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Place dough in oiled bowl and turn to coat.

Step 6: Cover dough with a damp cloth, and let dough rise until doubled.

Step 7: Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal parts.

Step 8: Roll each part into a strand 14 inches long and place close together on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Step 9: Braid strands gently, keeping the braid loose. Do not stretch.

Step 10: Brush braid with shortening or oil.

Step 11: Let rise until double.

Step 12: Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 13: Beat egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water and brush over braid.

Step 14: Bake 25 to 30 minutes.