I am known for my Challahs and have also given a Challah baking class
- it will be the best tasting Challah you ever tasted
CHALLAH
Recipe By : MICHAEL ARNOLDI (aka Chef Arnoldi)
Serving Size : 30 Preparation Time : 5:30
Categories : Breads Ethnic
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 Package yeast
5 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/8 teaspoon turmeric -- (optional)
1 1/4 cups water -- 110-115F
topping:
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk
2 tablespoons sesame seeds -- (or poppy seeds)
Dissolve the yeast in a 1/4 cup of warm water.
Mix flour, sugar, salt & turmeric in a separate bowl.
In the mixer bowl add the rest of the water, yeast mixture, oil
and two whole eggs, adding the flour mixture slowly to incorporate.
Knead 10 minutes to a stiff, smooth dough, adding flour as needed * .
Place in a greased, covered bowl and put in a warm place to rise
until double (+/-2 hours).
Divide the dough into three equal portions, put aside 1/3.
Take the 2/3 dough portion and divide into three equal parts, shaping
each into 18" long strands.
Divide the 1/3 portion of dough into three equal parts, shaping each
into 15" long strands.
Braid the 18" long strands together and also braid the 15" strands together.
Place the small braid on top of the large braid and pinch ends
together, folding excess dough underneath.
Place on a greased, floured baking tray, and put in a warm place to
rise until double (1-2 hours).
Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Brush the risen dough with eggwash & sprinkle with seeds.
Bake on middle rack 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown & sounds
hollow when tapped.
Remove from oven & place on a cooling rack.
Allow to cool 4 hours minimum before slicing.
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notes : raisins may be added as an option at this point *.
A 6 braid Challah can be made as follows :
Cross left arm over right arm.
Now pick up the outer strand with each hand using fingers.
Uncross arms, and thereby twisting the two outer strands together at
the joined area.
1. Place the strand of the left hand on the inside just under the
right arm's elbow and proceed from there to pick up the outer strand
under the right hand (which is still holding the other strand) and
move that strand up and to the left side.
2. Place the strand of the right hand on the inside just under the
left arm's elbow and proceed from there to pick up the outer strand
under the left hand (which is still holding the other strand) and
move that strand up and to the right side.
Continue this procedure 1 & 2 till done.