Chocolate Chip Challah

2 packets active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar, plus a pinch
7 cups flour, plus more for dusting
1 T salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup veg oil, plus more for the bowl
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375. Mix yeast, pinch of sugar and 1 cup warm water in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Whisk 3.5 cups of flour the remaining sugar and the salt in a large bowl. Pour the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. Add 1 egg, oil, and 1 cup warm water. stir until combined. Gradually stir in the remaining 3.5 cups of flour until the dough starts to come together. Mix in the chips.

3. Put dough onto floured surface (or knead in your machine for 8 mins) Transfer to oiled bowl. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5hrs.

4.Divide the dough into 3 portions. Roll into a ball, roll each ball into a 1.5in-2in wide strand. Pinch them together at the top.

5. Braid each strand. Pinch together once finished braiding.

6. Slide loaf with parchment paper onto baking sheet. Beat remaining egg with 1 T water in a small bowl then brush with egg wash.
Bake for @30mins