May 19, 2008

Challah - My first baked bread

Recently I found william Sonama's
Essentioals of Baking in our public library.
This book gives step by step instructions for
the home bakers.Though I messed up in the braiding
the bread looks good and yummy.
Ingredients
Yeast - 5 tsp
warm water - 1 cup
sugar - 1/2 cup
eggs - 3 + 1 egg beaten for glaze
All purpose flour - 5 cups
salt - 2 tsp
butter - 1/2 cup
poppy seeds or sesame seeds - 1 tblsp
Method
  • In a large bowl dissolve yeast in warm water .Wait for 5 min or until it is foamy.
  • Stir in the sugar , eggs, 4 1/2 cups flour , salt and the butter until the dough comes together
  • Knead well with remaining flour until the dough is smooth and elastic 5 -7 min
  • Form the dough into a ball .
  • Keep the dough in a oiled bowl and cover it with a wet cloth.
  • Let the dough rise until it doubles abt 2 hrs.
  • Now Punch down the dough .
  • Cut the dough into 3 equal pieces.
  • Form 3 ropes.
  • Line up the 3 strands infront of you horizontally.
  • Now the braid the strands like braiding the hair.
  • Place the braided loaf on the prepared pan , cover with a dry kitchen towel and let rise again in a warm place for 45 - 60 min.
  • Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 F
  • Brush the braid gently with the beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds.
  • Bake it for 30 - 35 min.
  • Cool it in a wire rack for 10 min.

17 comments:

Cham said...

Oh my comment dissapeared Kamala. Not bad for first time baker to make a braided bread, it looks shiny and soft!

Uma said...

lovely bread, Kamala! I can't believe it's your first time.

FH said...

I have that book too, have wonderful recipes. Works well too. Challah looks delcious, good job!:)

Unknown said...

wow..the bread looks oo divine..love the braids kamala

Suganya said...

Hi Kamala...
That was a gorgeous bread. Looks so good. Loved the sheenies in the bread. U have done a great job...

Unknown said...

Hi Kamala..have u stayed in tuticorin..how do u know about Shanti and Ganesh bakeries?They are my favorites..Love the macaroons there

bha said...

u said u did it for the first time, the cake looks prefect.....

Srivalli said...

Challah looks yummy..can't believe this is your first time...lovely result and I am sure it must've tasted divine!.

Anonymous said...

The bread looks lovely! Doesnt look like a first attempt.

Madhavi said...

I can'r belive this is ur first time, bread looks great, lovely entry!!!

Shri said...

looks great kamala!temptimg me to bake..Very good effort

Shri said...

looks great kamala!temptimg me to bake..Very good effort

Sagari said...

beautifullllll bread kamala

ranji said...

wow!!i have seen this made on tv..and this one looks perfect!!!great job kamala..a well deserved tap on ur back:))

SMN said...

Kamala first time here u hv an interesting blog with so many recipes .. ur fist bread luks really nice..

Unknown said...

That looks so good ! cant believe it was your first :-0 ! ....I have never baked a bread till now, I hope I too can bake like you:)

Beyond Curries said...

The bread looks perfect Kamala. I would love to taste it, send it here.