Photo courtesy of Foodologie
In a few days, millions of people will be observing Yom Kippur, or the “Day of Atonement”. It’s a day of fasting, resting, and praying in commemoration of the day to repent one’s sins before they are sealed. Before fasting for 25 hours, it’s customary to eat the traditional Jewish bread, challah. The slightly sweet, eggy bread seems to be the perfect sustenance. Whether or not you celebrate Yom Kippur, this easy recipe will sure make you want to break bread together!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk (reserve white for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 2 1/4 cup bread flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp yeast
- tbsp of milk + egg white for egg wash
Directions
- Combine water, eggs oil and honey. Once they’re all whisked well together, add 1 cup of flour, yeast and salt and beat together. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- After it has sat for 15 minutes, add the rest of the flour, 1/4 cup at a time. Once you’ve mixed it as much as possible, turn it onto a surface and finish incorporating the flour. Knead for 10 minutes until dough is soft and elastic.
- Put dough in a greased bowl. Place in a warm spot for about an hour to an hour and a half (I turn the oven on for 2 minutes just to warm it up, then put the dough in there). Once the dough has risen, divide into 3 equal sized pieces. Roll into long pieces and braid. (For step by step photos click here). Once braided, allow to rise another hour or so.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 400F for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 350F and bake for another 15 minutes.
recipe courtesy of Cooking Bread
Tip: It tastes great with Nutella!