Apple Challah

Whisk the yeast, ½ tsp sugar and warm water together in the bowl of a standing mixer (if using) or another large bowl. Let stand for 5 mins until foamy.Whisk in the eggs, honey, oil and salt. Add the flour and stir to combine.Using the dough hook attachment for a standing mixer, knead the dough for 5-7 mins until it is smooth (it will be a little sticky). Alternatively, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface by hand for 10 mins.Scrape the dough into a large, well oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand a room temperature for about 1½ hours or until doubled in bulk.Peel, core and chop the apples into ½ inch chunks and toss with 2 tsp sugar.Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.Use your hands to roll each piece into a 12 inch rope and flatten to about 3½ inches wide. Working with one piece at a time (cover the others with a slightly damp towel), spread ¼ of the apples along one side of the flattened dough strip. Fold over lengthwise and press the edges lightly to adhere. Repeat with the remaining three pieces.To weave the dough, lay two pieces lengthwise next to each other (almost touching). Now use the other two pieces to weave it tic tac dough style, one side is over/under, the next row is then under/over across the middle. (See images below.)Next, pick up the piece that was under and pull it over its partner to the side. Repeat with the three "under" pieces. Now, reverse the direction and pull the "unders" over their partners. Tuck the ends underneath to form a round shape.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.Place the woven round on the baking sheet and cover it very loosely with plastic wrap or a slightly damp towel. The dough should rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size and it doesn't spring back when lightly pressed.Whisk the egg with the water and brush over the top and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.Bake for 35 mins until golden brown. If the crust begins to brown too deeply during baking, cover with aluminum foil. Slice and enjoy!