Challah Bread Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3/4 cups (8 ounces) whole wheat flour, preferably fine grind
• 1/2 teaspoon (.14 ounces) salt
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) water
• 1 3/4 cups (8 ounces) unbleached bread flour
• 1/4 teaspoon (.03 ounces) instant yeast
• 7 tablespoons (3.5 ounces) filtered or spring water, at room temperature (about 70F or 21C)
• 1 large egg (1.65 ounces), slightly beaten
• 4 egg yolks (2 ounces)
• Use all of the soaker
• Use all of the biga
• 7 tablespoons (2 ounces) whole wheat flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (.25 ounces) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (1 ounce) OR 2 tablespoons or sugar or brown sugar (1 ounce)
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) vegetable oil
• - extra whole wheat flour for adjustments
• - 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water plus a pinch of salt for egg wash
• - poppy seeds or sesame seeds for topping (optional)