Challah Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ TBLS dry yeast
- 2 cups warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 tsp. salt
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten (reserve a small amount for brushing)
- 7 ½ cups white flour
- optional: sesame or poppy seeds
Directions:
In a large bowl combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Once yeast is active (bubbly), add in oil & salt. Blend in the eggs (reserving 1 TBLS for brushing). Add 3 cups of flour and mix well to avoid lumps. Let rest for about 5 minutes. Gradually add the rest of the flour (4 ½ cups). On a floured surface, use your hands and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. Put into an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled. Braid into 2 loaves and place on greased cookie sheets. Let rise again. Brush with the reserved egg mixture. Top with optional sesame or poppy seeds. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 30-40 minutes.
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I've really, really missed bread baking. Between my health, moving around, and the summer heat, much of my bread baking was sadly put aside. This week I felt like I met up with an old friend in the kitchen. I made 3 loaves. Two traditional oval shaped loaves and one round loaf usually reserved for the Holy Days or special occasions. I took the round loaf to my daughter's Bridal Shower.
The warmth of the yeast, as I kneaded the bread, was slowing and needed. I was having a hard day when I started to pull the recipe together. The rhythm of kneading, and the whispered prayers, brought a quiet over my heart. . . . so grateful for the change of heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've really, really missed bread baking. Between my health, moving around, and the summer heat, much of my bread baking was sadly put aside. This week I felt like I met up with an old friend in the kitchen. I made 3 loaves. Two traditional oval shaped loaves and one round loaf usually reserved for the Holy Days or special occasions. I took the round loaf to my daughter's Bridal Shower.
The warmth of the yeast, as I kneaded the bread, was slowing and needed. I was having a hard day when I started to pull the recipe together. The rhythm of kneading, and the whispered prayers, brought a quiet over my heart. . . . so grateful for the change of heart.
Part of my personal slowing plan is to start baking beautiful breads on Friday morning to set the tone as I enter into Sabbath rest.
It's a time to slow and pray.
It's a time to give thanks. It's a time of reflection.
a Seasonal Harmony
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