Michael's Challah

My first challah! Delish. Very dense. Eat warm, for sure; apparently dipping it in salt is what you do? and that's super good. Also really good with butter, and adding a little jam to the mix makes a wonderful breakfast.

Notes: It was tough to braid this; research how long it should rest to let the gluten relax, I think that may have been my problem. It was hard to get the strands to stay stretched out enough to braid them. I was also a little uncertain how long to knead, and they turned out just fine, but I may have overdone it; try using the mixer next time.  UPDATE: Turns out the rolling of the strands is highly dependent on the moisture level of your hands/the table; it's apparently the surface that matters.  Weird but true.  Doesn't need a ton of kneading.  But I'm still confused about the amount of flour that should be added; this time I added some but not as much, and it was still sticking to the sides of the mixer when I stopped.

Be sure not to overcook it; try taking it out when it's just lightly golden brown on top, before the suggested time is up; took one out at about 32 minutes and it was good, try 30. Halved it and got three good-sized loaves, which froze beautifully until needed (after braiding, wrap them up in plastic wrap and freeze; let rise for 1.5-3 hours before baking). Make sure to egg wash the whole thing for that nice shiny crust.



Miriam’s Challah
5 lbs minus 2 cups bread flour (15 cups)
4 cups water, lukewarm
1 tbsp sugar
5 packets yeast
1 ½ cups oil
2 cups sugar
1 ½ tbsp salt
3 eggs + 1 for egg wash

In large bowl, combine flour, 2 cups sugar, and salt. Allow yeast to bloom in water with 1 tbsp sugar. Once bloomed, make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour yeast, oil, and eggs. Mix well. Allow to rise at least 2 hours in a warm place.
Knead dough. Break off a piece and say the prayer. Braid loaves. Allow to rise another 45 minutes. Brush with beaten egg. Garnish with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Coat in egg wash. Bake at 350 40 minutes or until golden. Makes 5-6 loaves.