Alsatian Braided Pain au Pavot

This braided, challah-like bread, called berches in Germany, which we would make once or twice a week at home, is an expression of the happy coexistence of the Jewish and Catholic cultures that dominated the region. Unlike challah, this contains dairy, but if you’re avoiding dairy, the milk in the recipe can easily be replaced with water. It’s a very versatile dough that can be savory or sweet, topped with sesame or poppy seeds. It can be eaten for breakfast or served with dinner. If