Hanukkah Star Challah

Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): In the bread machine pan, combine warm water, eggs, salt, sugar, bread flour, and yeast in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer.

Start Dough Cycle: Select the 'Dough' setting on your bread machine and start the cycle. This usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Rest the Dough (15 minutes): Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or inverted bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape.

Shape the Star (30 minutes): Gently knead the dough a few times to deflate it slightly. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange three ropes into a pointed triangle, pinching the ends firmly together. Weave the remaining three ropes over and under each point of the first triangle to create a second, interwoven triangle, forming a six-pointed star. Pinch the edges tightly to secure.

Proof the Challah (30-45 minutes): Place the baking sheet in a warm, draft-free place and let the challah rise until doubled in size. This will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat and Prepare (10 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the mixture evenly over the surface of the risen challah. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.

Bake (30-35 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the challah is shiny, golden brown, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Cool and Enjoy (20 minutes): Remove the baked challah from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!