CORIANDER CHALLAH The margarine for this recipe should be at least 80 percent vegetable oil. Products with high amounts of water or air will keep the bread from baking properly. Butter may be used instead of margarine, but the challah will not be considered kosher. 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 package active dry yeast 1 1/4 cups water 3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons margarine or vegetable shortening 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 egg white, beaten 2 teaspoons crushed coriander seed

Stir together 2 cups of the flour and the yeast in a large mixing bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan, heat and stir the water, sugar, margarine or shortening, and salt just until warm (120°F to 130°F) and margarine or shortening almost melts.

Add water mixture to dry mixture along with the 2 eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover, let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).

Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into thirds. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes.

Shape each third into an 18-inch-long rope. Place ropes 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Braid ropes. Cover; let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush top of braided loaf with the beaten egg white. Sprinkle with coriander seed.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when you tap it. If necessary, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning. Immediately remove bread from baking sheet. Cool on a wire rack.

Makes 1 challah, 24 servings.

1 Slice: Calories: 110, Fat: 2g (Saturated: 0g), Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 74mg, Carbohydrate: 19g, Protein: 3g.

[Lightstyle, Recipes for Healthful Living, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications]