|
Tastes
of Jewish Tradition
Traditional
Jewish egg bread was first baked by Central European Jews during
the Middle Ages. This recipe may either be made into a simple
three-strand braid or divided into more strands to make fancy
braided bread. The elaborately braided crown-shaped challah made
for Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year—is a symbol of unity,
peace and creation.
Braided Bread
¾ cup fat-free milk, warmed to 110°
1
package rapid-rise active dry yeast
¼ cup
clover honey
Pinch
turmeric
2
large eggs
2
tablespoons canola oil
1 ¼
teaspoons salt
3 ¼
cups bread flour
Oil
for bowl
1
tablespoon butter, melted
Toppings
1 large egg yolk
1
teaspoon water
Poppy
Seeds
1. Bread
machine method: Measure the milk, yeast, honey,
turmeric,
eggs, oil, salt and flour into a bread machine pan.
Set
on sweet, large dough cycle. When complete go to step 4.
2. Hand
method: In a large bowl, measure the milk, yeast,
honey
and turmeric. Beat in eggs, oil and salt. Stir in enough
flour
to make a soft dough.
3. Turn out onto a
floured board, knead until smooth and elastic.
Set
in an oiled bowl, turn once to coat with oil. Cover with a
damp
cloth. Turn oven on to 200
°, when you can feel heat,
turn
the oven off. Let it rise until double, then punch down.
4. You may be able
to just oil your hands and make the 3 ropes.
If
dough is too sticky, place dough on a floured breadboard;
cut
into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a log shape. Lift dough
up
and rub dough between palms to form 12 to 14-inch long ropes.
Place
on a baking sheet and connect the ends by moistening them
with
water, fold ends on one side under. Braid 3 ropes loosely
and
seal the ends with a little water.
5. Brush with
melted butter and let sit in the warm oven until
doubled.
The next step is crucial and the secret to a golden
colored
loaf. The egg yolk should be well beaten and then
gently
brushed over the loaf. Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
6. Bake in a
preheated 350°
oven 25 minutes or until a knife
or
skewer comes out clean. Serve with butter and maybe your
favorite
jam. This bread is delicious with soup.
Hint:
Sometimes this bread turns out even better if I forget
to
remove it immediately after the first rising and let it rise
again
in the bread machine after it has been automatically
kneaded
to knock down the air pockets. You may want to try
a
double rising one time to see which you prefer.
Makes 1 braided loaf
|
