Pizza Challah

Please enjoy Pizza Challah!


INGREDIENTS

3/4 c water
1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp honey
1 egg + 1 egg for wash
1/4 c vegetable oil
3 c flour
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp plus 2 tsp parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
generous sprinkle of oregano
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 "handful" shredded mozarella cheese
scant 1/4 c chopped fresh basil


METHOD

Place very warm water in mixing bowl. Add yeast and honey, mixing with wooden spoon. Allow to rest for 10 minutes or so.

Blend together the flour, salt, 1 1/2 tbsp of the parmesan cheese, mozarella, oregano, and garlic powder in large bowl and set aside. Add egg, tomato paste, and vegetable oil, mixing wooden spoon. Add the flour/cheese mixture in two parts, adding extra water if dough is sticky. Knead manually or with a stand mixer until ball forms.

Allow to rise several hours, until dough has doubled in size. Punch down and remove all air bubbles. Braid in your preferred method. Allow to rise an additional 45-60 minutes. Top with an egg wash and sprinkle with 2 tsp parmesan cheese.

Round fresh mozzarella version: Add thin slices of fresh mozarella and coil together. Best served hot!

Bake at 350 for around 35 minutes.