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1-1/2 cups warm water
In a large mixing bowl, briskly whisk together the water and yeast. Then, briskly stir in the eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
Add most of the flour to form a smooth but resilient dough (a soft but elastic bread dough). Add additional flour and knead 8 to 10 minutes.
Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl and place this in a plastic bag and seal loosely. Let rise until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.
On a floured board, gently deflate the dough. Divide into three strands or ropes and braid together as for a three-braided challah. Stack two baking sheets together and line the top one with parchment paper. Place the bread on this and brush with egg wash. Cover with a large plastic bag and let rise until almost doubled in size, 45 to 90 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Brush again with egg wash and generously sprinkle on chopped pumpkin seeds.
Bake until bread is browned and seems done (hard to tell because the dough is dark in color), about 40 to 55 minutes. Cool at least 20 minutes before serving.
Add chopped cranberries and raisins if you like.
Posted by Brenda Gierczak
Nutritional Info Per Serving: N/A
2 tbsp. dry yeast
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
2 tsp. pumpkin spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
2-1/2 tsp. salt
6 to 8 cups bread flour
Egg wash, for topping
Pumpkin seeds, finely minced for top