Challah (bread machine)

Ingredience

1 c water (250g)

1/4 c honey (90g)

1/4 c olive oil (54g)

2 eggs

1 tsp salt (6g)

4 c flour (450g)

2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (7g)

Pokyny

Step 1

Add all of the ingredients to the bread machine basket in the order they are listed. Put bread machine on the dough settings, and let it go!

Step 2

Once the dough cycle is complete the dough should have risen and be puffing over the top of the basket. Punch the dough down. Remove the dough from the basket, and place on a floured surface then divide into two. Divide each half into however many strands you prefer, roll out the strands into long snakes, and braid. There are lots of diagrams and videos online of different braiding techniques. I do a 5 strand braid, but find one that works best for you.

Step 3

Place the braids on a baking dish. In a bowl mix 2 eggs + 2 tbsp of water. Lightly brush the egg mixture over the bread, and save the rest in the fridge for later. Place the loaves in a warm, humid area to proof for another hour, or until they are doubled in size. My favorite way to proof my bread is by placing them in my oven (turned off) along with a small pot of boiling water underneath. Close the oven lid, and this creates the perfect environment to proof your bread.

Step 4

After an hour, remove the loaves from the oven, and it 350F. While the oven is preheating do another egg wash over the loaves. Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. If you flip it over, knock on it, and it sounds hollow - it’s done. I like to do a second egg wash about 15 minutes into baking the bread, but this is optional.