Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Challah (Braided) Bread recipe

As posted by Dr. Patti Christie on http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/special-programs/sp-287-kitchen-chemistry-spring-2009/readings/MITSP_287s09_read05_Challah.pdf

Adapted from the Guggenheim Family, Zurich, Switzerland.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of dehydrated yeast (2 1/4 tsp).
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups of water at 115 - 120 degrees F.
  • enough flour to make a dough (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 egg
  • cooking spray
  • egg yolk
Method:
  • Mix together water and sugar. Make sure the temperature of the solution is between 110-115 degrees F.
  • Sprinkle a package of yeast over the top and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Mix together egg, oil, and salt. Add to yeast mixture.
  • Mix in the flour. The total amount of flour will be between 5-6 cups. Add 2 cups of flour and mix. Then add another 2 cups and mix well. Gradually add the rest of the flour to make a dough that is able to come off the sides of the bowl.
  • Knead together until the dough is shiny and elastic.
  • Spray cooking spray on bowl. Place dough into bowl and flip until covered with cooking spray.
  • Cover with a piece of plastic wrap, which has been sprayed with cooking spray and also a towel. Let rise in a warm place (works best if the temperature of the dough is between 85-95 degrees F) until double in bulk. This will take about an hour.
  • Carefully punch down and divide the dough into pieces to be braided.
  • Braid the bread and cover with the plastic wrap and towel to let rise for about 30 minutes (half the amount of time as the first rising). 
  • Mix equal parts of egg yolk and water. Brush egg yolk mixture on top of dough.
  • Cook at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.

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