Salutations Fellow Chefs, 

It has become a tradition at JLA to host a challah bake at school where women and girl from our community get together to knead and have fun. There’s dancing, bonding, and baking. But there’s a deeper meaning behind Challah and its preparation. Every ingredient has a purpose and a reason behind it. The ingredients in challah represent blessings. When someone eats the challah, they are taking in those blessings. Challah is connected to so many memories. From coming home on Friday afternoon from school and smelling the warm freshly baked challah, to being all dressed up with the whole family on Rosh Hashanna with a round challah. So roll up your sleeves, and create some new memories around your challah.  

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon yeast 
• 1 cup warm water 
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar 
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups flour 
• 2 egg (one for recipe, one for egg wash)
• ⅓ cup canola oil 

Directions:

1. In a bowl, gently dissolve the yeast in the warm water. 
2. Once combined, add the sugar and gently mix. 
3. Set the mixture aside and allow to ferment and bubble for about 5 minutes. 
4. Once the yeast has bubbled, add the salt, 1 egg, and oil and mix. 
5. Once everything is combined, gradually add the flour and begin to knead the dough. If it is too sticky you can add a little more flour. 
6. Mix and knead until elastic, but not sticky. 
7. Form into a ball, set in a bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Let sit for 1-2 hours. 
8. After 1-2 hours pass, it’s time to braid*!
9. After it is braided, place on an oiled pan and let rest for another 1-2 hours. 
10. Once ready, use the remaining egg and do an egg wash.
11. Place in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit and let the challah bake for 30-45 minutes, depending on your oven. 
12. Make sure to check throughout the baking to not under or over bake. The bread should not spring completely back at touch; it should have a slow rise. 
13. Take challah out of the oven and let it cool. 
14. Don’t forget to say hamotzi and enjoy! 

*Braiding:Here is a video to show you different ways to braid your challah. Thank you Cuketka.cz for your amazing tutorial video!