Yep, I did it. I said I was going to and I did. And making challah wasn't as difficult as I imagined. I read and re-read the recipe. I
I have to admit that, all in all, it was just the satisfying experience I thought it would be. I wasn't disappointed at all. (although it did feel kind of heavy.)
The only thing I wonder now is whether I should feel guilty for letting my mixer do all the kneading work. Is that cheating? Is it like using Miracle-Gro and not telling anyone you really don't have a green thumb?
Just wondering.
I think I'll get off my bread kick now. Every once in a while, we're supposed to get out of our comfort zone and try something new, right? I did and I feel good about it.
Time for a nice savory stew. Since it's April 2 and it's still snowing.
I made my bread from a recipe I found on Food52, a site I love to visit now and again. After I used this recipe, I remembered that I have a copy of the Bread Bible, so I really didn't have to go to the internet at all. I had my own library as a resource. Getting lazy . . . . and now that I've "re-found" my book, maybe this bread phase isn't over yet. When spring finally comes, then I'll stop.
I don't even feel guilty using my bread machine on the dough cycle,.then forming and baking in the oven:)
ReplyDeleteI made one for Easter ..they are lovely aren't they?
A neighbor patiently tried to show me how to make fanciful shapes with bread. (She taught herself.) Maybe with a little more practice, I can get past the simple braid. A ring, maybe?
DeleteIt is good to get out of our comfort zone Rosemary. I can imagine the wonderful smells coming from your kitchen when you're baking bread. There is something satisfying about it.
ReplyDeleteNever thought I'd say it but it just might be more satisfying than canning my own tomato sauce!
DeleteIt turned out beautifully! I love when I finally conquer a recipe...and you did such a good job with this one. Thank you for sharing. What a lovely dose of deliciousness. I hope you have a good end to your week and an even more blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monet. It is a good feeling to cross something you've wanted to do off your list.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous loaf of bread. I love challah and yours looks delicious and perfectly made. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. Even though I'm a seasoned cook, baking doesn't come quite as easily to me.
DeleteLovely! When we lived in Texas, I made bread often (out of necessity) and enjoyed the hand kneading when I had time. To be honest, I didn't really notice much difference whether hand kneaded or mixer kneaded. Now that we are in the Chicago area, there are excellent bakeries everywhere. No need to knead!!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Actually, Bonnie, I had to be humbled into making this bread because my older brother (whose mother-in-law taught him) makes it like a champ!
DeleteI ha ent made challah since I was a little girl but still recall the wonderful aroma the filled our house. Yours looks picture perfect and I'm sure it tasted it as well. I've yet to purchase any of Roses books but need to. Beautiful photo of your loaf.
ReplyDeleteThis is the only book I have, Vicki. Mr. Rosemary thought I needed a nudge to get over my yeast phobia.
DeleteI have never tried challah, but I tried brioche once, which is kind of similar. I have always wanted to try challah. The thing about bread is that while it's not always difficult, it does require many steps and that does require patience and time. I used to love making bread, but I'm never home long enough to do it anymore. (Although I'm not sure I can successfully make a braid. I'm all thumbs.)
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's wrong to use a mixer or bread machine for the whole process, but I like kneading bread by hand. To me that's the fun part. There is something very soothing about getting your hands in the dough and abusing it a bit.
The few times -- in my younger days -- that I tried kneading by hand just didn't work out so swell. That's when Mr. Rosemary bought me the Kitchenaid mixer. It's a help, that's for sure, to me.
DeleteJust a beautiful bread Rosemary! I'm trying to pin it, and the link is giving me fits right now. I am slowly mustering up the strength to bake more and you're helping me with this bread!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend!
Roz
Thanks, Roz. I hope that with a little practice I can make bread like a normal person and not have to do cartwheels when it turns out right!
DeleteI have this on my baking bucket list. Yours is a huge triumph and an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid my list would be too big, Karen. Learning how to grill a steak (inside or out) just right -- that's what I really want to learn!
DeleteGolden brown and smooth crumb..this is a perfect challah!
ReplyDeleteIt would be perfect, Angie, if I can repeat the success!
DeleteI hope the weather is better by now...stay warm! you Challah looks so good and delicious, Rosemary! You did such a great job...I wish I have few sliced now!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the bread is good fresh,Sandra, I simply love it toasted!
DeleteI've never made challah either. It always seemed daunting and only learned from mother to daughter. I'll try it this week. Yours is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWell, it just wasn't as hard as I imagined. Start a new tradition, Maureen!
DeleteUsing the mixer to do all the hard work? It's not cheating at all. You can put all your energy into figuring out the pleats. The Challah looks stunning, Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteI'm still intimidated by bread making, Hester, but at least I'm not petrified any more.I'm not
DeleteI must buy that cookbook! Your bread looks fantastic...challah is one of my favorites. I tried the 6 rope braid once, but finally gave up. Some day I will make another attempt :)
ReplyDeleteThe book is a classic, Liz. And I'm ashamed that I'd really forgotten about it. Are we all becoming too dependent on technology?
DeleteChallah reminds me of polish chałka, it's not that difficult either :) But the taste is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'll need to look that up in my bread bible, Marta. Don't want to get too confident or daring yet. I'd spoil my bread success streak!
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