You might be asking what the heck is challah. Well by definition it is "a loaf of white leavened bread, typically plaited in form, traditionally baked to celebrate the Jewish sabbath". In simple terms it's really good homemade bread. :) Here's a picture to help give an idea! This is one of the loaves we have made.
So, here's my question for you. Have you ever wished you could make homemade bread? I know I have, and I've tried many times and failed at it more often than not. Growing up I remember my grandmother using a bread machine and making some of the most amazing bread. For me it didn't matter what recipe or machine I used it just never turned out right. That was until a few months ago anyways! I found a recipe for challah and tried it!!! AND it worked it was amazing. We have changed the recipe some to make it our own and have learned a few tricks.
Did you know that bread is temperamental? It will be different depending on the temp, humidity, and your starter. I would recommend starting with just packaged active yeast and then you can decide if you want to stick with that or create your own sour dough starter (that's what we use now).
So here is a simple recipe for you to try! I would love to hear how it works for you.
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup warm water
1 packet active yeast
5 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs (we use duck eggs)
3 to 3 1/2 cups bread flour
The first thing you will need to do is put your water in your mixer bowl and add the yeast packet to the water. While this combines, we will move on to the next step. Next you will combine your butter, sugar and salt in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until butter is melted but not hot. Stir until mixed well then add to mixer bowl with your water and yeast. At this point I like to gently stir it just to make sure it's all combined well. After this you can add the 2 eggs and mix them in. Now here's the part that can be temperamental. I start by adding 3 cups of bread flour and using my mixers dough hook to stir. You want it to clean the sides if the mixer and not be sticky. If it is still sticky add flour up to 1/2 cup until it's not sticking. Depending on room temp and humidity this is the part that could be different each time. After its all mixed, you can choose to let your mixer knead the bread or you can knead it by hand. knead for 5 to 10 minutes and then lightly coat with oil and place back in mixer bowl. Cover dough and let it rise 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size. Take dough out of bowl and move to a lightly floured surface. You will knead the dough for a couple of minutes and then divide into three equal parts. You want to make each part into a rope shape 12 to 16 inches. Lay them side by side and pinch one end together. After you have pinched the end together on one side you can start braiding and pinch the other end together. Make sure it is on the pan you plan to bake it on and lightly cover it to rise for about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350. If you want it golden brown and shiny you will need to mix an egg yolk and 1 to 2 Tbsp milk or cream together and brush on top (this step is optional). Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family has!
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