Challah-lah!

Directions

1. 1
   Place all the above ingredients in bread machine pan in the order I have listed them in.
2. 2
   Select dough cycle.
3. 3
   When dough cycle is complete, remove dough and place on lightly floured surface and allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Then divide dough into 3 evenly sized pieces (I usually weigh each piece to ensure this).
5. 5
   Roll and'gently massage' each piece to form 3 long snakes.
6. 6
   Approxiamately 30-35 cm each.
7. 7
   Pinch 3 ends together and place under something weighty (I use a heavy bread board), and then start plaiting!
8. 8
   When you get to the end, pinch the ends together (as you did at the beginning with the other end), and tuck underneath.
9. 9
   Place covered bread dough in warm and draught free place on lightly greased oven tray (a sun room or conservatory is great for this- otherwise a pre-heated warming drawer of an oven is also good) Leave it to double in size (about 1 hour).
10. 10
    Brush with a lightly beaten egg and sprinkle liberally with poppy seeds.
11. 11
    Bake in oven at 180'C for about 25-30 minutes- or until a nice golden brown colour.
12. 12
    Cool on wire rack.