Challah Bread

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I was so lucky to do a semester abroad in Israel as a college student.  Here is a wonderful recipe from that time- Challah Bread.
 
Challah is a traditional Jewish bread eaten on Shabbat and Jewish holidays (except Passover, when leavened bread is not allowed). On Shabbat every Jew is commanded to eat three meals (one on Friday night and two on Saturday). In Judaism, a "meal" includes bread. Hence, Jews will traditionally eat challah at the beginning of their Shabbat meal. As with any other type of bread, the blessing  "Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth" is said before the meal.



 
 
Challah (Shabbat) Bread

1/2 c. warm water
2 Tb. yeast
1 Tbsp sugar

Mix and let the yeast proof.

6 c. flour
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 Tbsp honey
6 Tbsp sugar
1 c. warm water (with 3 Tbsp taken out & reserved)
1 Tbsp salt

For bread topping:
1 beaten egg
sesame or poppy seeds

Mix together flour, 2 eggs, oil, honey, sugar water and salt in a large mixing bowl.  Add in the yeast mixture. Mix well for 3-5 minutes. If the dough is really sticky, add in a little more of the reserved water.  If mixing by hand, mix until smooth and elastic.

Remove from the bowl and oil the bowl.  Return the dough to the bowl, turning to grease all sides.  Put the whole bowl into a plastic bag and knot it closed.  Let it rise for an hour.  Punch down and re-seal in the bag.  Let it rise 1/2 hour, repeat one more time rising another half hour (3x total).

After risen 3 times, divide into 3 equal pieces and braid the dough. Place on a greased cookie sheet.  Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise another 1/2 hour.  Before baking, brush with an egg wash (1 beaten egg). Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.



Comments

what a gorgeous bread! You did a wonderful job!
Unknown said…
Visiting from the crew and jjust joined your blog. These recipes look great! Thanks for sharing!