Chałka

Usually shaped into a braided loaf, chałka is a soft, sweet Polish bread prepared with a rich yeasted dough. It can occasionally incorporate raisins or other dried fruits and is traditionally sprinkled with sesame or poppy seeds and sliced almonds. Chałka is derived from the popular Jewish challah bread, but Poles traditionally associate it with Christmas or Easter holidays. Served sliced, it can be enjoyed plain or accompanied with butter and various fruit preserves.