Several years ago I bought myself and my girls a William – Sanoma cook book. Actually it is more of a baking book. It has wonderful recipes with great instructions and baking tips. Every year as I look through it I think “some day I will make that”. So someday has arrived and I have started making the yummy baked goods that are found in this great book. Here is my “Something New” from the book. Challah.
As marked my wish list of recipes to make this one always stood out to me. It just looks fun. So I chose it as my first something new to bake.
Recipe
2 packages instant yeast
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs, one beaten for glaze
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons sale
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon poppy seeds or sesame seeds
Instructions
In a 5-qt bowl of a stand mixer combine hot water, sugar, 3 eggs, 4 1/2 cups flour, salt and butter. Attach dough hook and knead on low speed. Work in the remaining flour if needed to keep the dough from being too sticky. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl . Cover with a damp kitchen towel until double, about 2 hours. Punch down dough. Scrape dough onto clean work surface. Divide into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece with the palm of your hands to make a rope as long as the prepared pan. Form into braid. Hint: I found it easier to follow a video than written instruction. So just click the highlighted words for a video link.
Place braided loaf on prepared pan and let rise until double and spongy to touch about 45-60 minutes. Brush gently with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake 350 degrees F., until nicely browned about 30-35 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
If you like this try some of our other breads. I love making, and eating, new breads. I is often my Something New to bake. Enjoy!
