One of my favorite activities is making homemade yeast bread. It’s simple, inexpensive, produces little to no trash, and the end result is delicious.
In case you don’t happen to already know this, I should explain that Challah is an eggy bread of Jewish origin. Authentic Challah includes no dairy products.
However, since I think butter is the most delicious fat known to man and since I’m not especially concerned with being authentic, I use butter. If you prefer, though, you can substitute any oil or shortening you like.
This recipe produces a soft, tender loaf which is delicious eaten as is. If you should have any left after a few days, you can use it to make delightful French Toast.
Challah makes 2 loaves
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
2 pkg. (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened, or melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 1/4-5 3/4 cups all purpose flour
4 eggs
1 teaspoon water
Place warm water in mixer bowl; sprinkle in yeast and stir until dissolved. Add sugar, butter, salt, and 1 1/2 cups flour; blend well. Stir in 3 whole eggs, 1 egg white (reserve yolk), and enough flour to make a soft dough.
Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-8 minutes. Place in bowl, cover, and let rise 45-60 minutes, or until doubled.
Punch dough down and turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Divide each half into two pieces, one about 2/3 of the dough and one about 1/3 of the dough. Divide each into three equal pieces (you should have 6 larger pieces and 6 smaller pieces).
Roll the 6 larger pieces into 12 inch ropes and the 6 smaller pieces into 10 inch ropes. Braid three of the large ropes together and place on greased baking sheet. Braid three of the smaller ropes and place on top of the larger braid. Repeat with remaining ropes.
Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Beat reserved egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water; brush over loaves. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes, or until browned. Let cool on wire racks.
This recipe is available with more pictures on The Frugal Girl.
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Kristen blogs about saving money cheerfully at The Frugal Girl. In addition to being a life-long devotee of frugality, she’s a photography nut, a baker, a homeschooler, a musician, and more importantly, a wife and mom who loves God.
