Challah Bread
What is usually a restaurant treat or grocery store purchase is so simple to make at home! This a low-fat recipe that can be made into french toast or as a side to any meal! Pair with some honey butter for a great pre-dinner appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water (100° to 110°)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Dash of saffron threads, crushed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups bread flour (about 14 1/4 ounces), divided
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water in a large bowl; stir in honey and saffron threads. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and egg; stir well with a whisk.
- Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 2 3/4 cups flour to yeast mixture, and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will be very soft).
- Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 40 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.)
- Punch dough down. Shape dough into a ball; return to bowl. Cover and let rise an additional 40 minutes or until doubled in size. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 15 minutes.
- Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), on a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a rope of desired thickness with slightly tapered ends.
- Place ropes lengthwise on a large baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal; pinch ends together at untapered ends to seal.
- Braid ropes; pinch loose ends to seal.
- Cover and let rise 20 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
- Combine 1 teaspoon water and large egg yolk, stirring with a fork until blended.
- Uncover loaf, and gently brush with egg yolk mixture.
- Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped.