Challah Bread
I adopted this recipe from my bread machine manual.
2 eggs at room temperature, plus enough water to equal 1-1/2 cups
1/4 cup Olive Oil
2 Tbs. Sugar
2 tsp. salt (I use 2-1/2 tsp. Kosher salt for the flavor)
2 cups whole wheat flour (I use Gold Medal 'Better for Bread' whole wheat flour)
2-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 tsp instant yeast
Poppy seeds if desired
Put on dough cycle. Remove from bread pan. Fold. Let rest 15 minutes. Cut into three equal ropes. Roll out gently to about 14 in. Braid. Brush with egg wash. Let rise about 1 hour. Brush again with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired.
Bake at 400 degrees F. for about 10 minutes. Turn oven back to 350 and finish baking. (approximately 20-25 minutes)
Note: I usually beat my two eggs and add about a tablespoon of water and mix. Then I pour out about 1/4 cup for the egg wash. Then I top off with the rest of the water.
This can be made by hand or mixer as well. When I make it by hand, I make a pre-ferment with part of the egg/water mix and about half of the flour with the yeast. I let this set for about 20 minutes, covered. I add the rest of the ingredients (flour a little at a time) and knead.
Let raise for about 1 hour or until doubled. Fold, shape and let rise a second time. Continue as above.
Now that that is as clear as mud, enjoy. :-)
Gordon