Saffron and Olive Oil Challah

The addition of olive oil to the more traditional challah ingredients makes for a beautiful egg bread, suitable for Friday evening Sabbath meals. I was surprised at how little yeast this dough requires. It does rise slowly, but don’t despair. It seems to pick up speed during its last rise and in the oven, making an exceptional loaf. One slice of this ultra-tender bread will remind you that there is a good reason why challah is called the “cake of bread.” The low yeast and sugar contents let