To bake the loaf: Brush the loaf with the remaining glaze (this will give the finished loaf a beautiful, shiny crust, as well as
provide «glue» for the seeds), sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the challah is
golden brown, slightly firm to the
touch, and the internal temperature is 195 °F.
Roberto Firmino had
provided the
touches and the finishes, while Philippe Coutinho orchestrated matters and embarrassed markers in equal measure before adding the
golden brush strokes at the death.