Mimosas at the ready!

I'm already dreaming about a Sunday brunch...even though it's only Friday. I do love a deliciously decadent French toast drizzled with syrup and covered in a layer of snow white confectioners sugar...not to mention the side of fresh fruit salad. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I thought I'd share a recipe for challah, the only bread I like to use for this breakfast, to help spark something in you as well.

Almost Grandmother's Challah                 

Bon Appétit, 1995

Yield: Makes 2 loaves Ingredients 1/2 cup plus 2/3 cup warm water (105°F. to 115°F.) 2 tablespoons dry yeast 1 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar 5 large eggs 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon salt 7 1/2 cups (about) all-purpose flour 1 large egg yolk 1 tablespoon water Directions 1. Combine 1/2 cup warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in large glass measuring cup and stir until yeast dissolves. Let yeast mixture stand at room temperature until foamy, about 10 minutes. 2. In large bowl of heavy-duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat 5 eggs until blended. Add oil, salt and 3/4 cup sugar and beat until pale yellow and slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Beat in 2/3 cup warm water. Add yeast mixture and beat until blended. 3. Remove whisk and fit mixer with dough hook. Add enough flour 1 cup at a time to form smooth dough, beating well after each addition. Beat on medium speed until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, adding flour by tablespoonfuls if sticky. 4. Turn out onto floured surface and knead 2 minutes. 5. Lightly oil large bowl. Add dough, turning to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap, then with clean kitchen towel. Let dough rise in warm draft-free area until doubled in volume, about 1 hour. 6. Punch down dough. Cover with plastic and clean kitchen towel and let rise 30 minutes. 7. Grease 2 large baking sheets. Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Divide each portion into 3 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 9-inch-long rope. Braid 3 ropes together; pinch ends together to seal. Repeat with remaining dough pieces, forming 2 braids. Place each braid on baking sheet. Cover with towel . Let rise in warm area until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. 8. Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk yolk with 1 tablespoon water to blend. Brush dough with egg mixture. 9. Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, about 35 minutes. Transfer loaves to rack and cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.)