Bistro Challah Bread

• 1/4 c Active dry yeast
• 1 c Sugar
• 3 1/2 c Warm water; (about 110 degrees)
• 1 c Unsalted butter; melted and cooled slightly
• 8 Eggs
• 10 c Flour; up to 12
• 1 tb Salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Place yeast, sugar, and warm water in a mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Stir and let stand for about 10 minutes, until creamy and foamy.

3. 3

   Add melted butter and eggs and mix well.

4. 4

   Combine flour with salt, and add flour to mixture, 1 or 2 cups at a time, until mixture forms a soft dough.

5. 5

   Pour dough out onto a well-floured board and knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Place dough in a large, well-greased bowl, then flip dough over to coat with oil.

7. 7

   Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let stand in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

9. 9

   Punch dough down and cut into 3 pieces.

10. 10

    Form into 3 loaves and place in 3 greased loaf pans.

11. 11

    Bake for about 1 hour, or until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

12. 12

    Let cool before slicing.

13. 13

    Makes three loaves.