Challah bread is recognized as the braided, golden loaf of appetizing bread, covered with poppy or sesame seeds, and attractive with its appealing knottiness. It is brown and crispy looking on the outside, yet the soft crust covers a light, delightful white bread which is highly flavorful, easy to cut, and able to keep fresh for a number of days. Older loaves do well toasted, while freshly toasted are perfect for sandwiches too.
While many people have access to a local bakery where they can buy challah bread at any time, many will not have this choice. This recipe, therefore, will enable anyone to bake and produce a beautiful loaf of challah bread, in every way as perfect, attractive and tasty as a store original.
Challah Bread - Recipe
Ingredients for 2 Loaves – Each Loaf Serves 12
(Can half all the amounts to make one loaf only)
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 Tbl active dry yeast
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 Tbl vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp salt
- 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Topping:
- Sesame or poppy seeds
- 1 beaten egg for brushing over the braids
Method
- This dough can be mixed in a regular food mixer, or put into a bread maker on “dough” setting (half quantity only for a bread maker bowl).
- Sprinkle the yeast onto the warm water in the bowl. Slowly beat in all the liquids and wet ingredients. Finally add the flour, slowly, until the dough is no longer sticky, but elastic and smooth.
- Machine: Let the dough cycle complete, and the dough will be ready for braiding, or
- Regular Mixer: Let the mixed dough rest and rise for 1 ½ hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
- Braid the bread by cutting the dough into three parts. Roll each third into a 1 1/2 inch diameter snake and braid all three snakes together.
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let rise for about 50 minutes
- Brush the beaten egg over the unbaked braid, and sprinkle with chosen seeds
- Bake at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes.
The recipe is simple, and the braids really easy to form. The wonderful result will give the baker a lot of pride, compliments and energy to make this bread on many occasions.
Family Fun Activity - Making Bread Together
This is a recipe that kids will enjoy making, sharing the kneading and braiding. In most cases, results are very satisfying as the loaves usually come out golden and impressive.
School Fun Activity - Making and Baking Bread in Class
Teachers can also work with students to make the dough and braid the loaves if they have access to the cooking facilities at the school. Teachers can use this for a descriptive “Show and Tell” class, in which there is a focus on “how-to make” projects. The class can participate and everyone can enjoy eating the final product. Teachers of English as a Second Language can use this in an activity class to teach students vocabulary for cooking and presentation.
Bon Appetite to Everyone!
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