I made bread, something I haven't done in a long time! I never thought I would bake bread, but Audrey inspired me to after her email. The flavour was awesome, but unfortunately a little dry because I wasn't sure if the bread was ready to come out of the oven or not and decided that a little overdone was better than raw dough. I really liked the richness of this bread, but next time I'm want to try a traditional version made with oil. Dry or not, the bread was still really addicting. It was kind of scary when I realized that I ate 1/4th of the loaf myself because that's 3/4ths cup of flour! Bread making was a lot of fun once I got past the 'omg, why is the bread taking so long to rise' part and just let the yeast do its work without poking at the dough every so often. Unfortunately staring and poking does not make it rise faster. I'm getting a little curious about trying other kinds of bread now, but there are so many recipes and so many types of flour! I don't think I would be able to decide which recipe to try first.
I was a little too lazy to type up the recipe, but here it is at Bridget's blog!
I'm in awe of your challah-making skills!! Nice job, girl!! Definitely try it with oil next time too :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job with your challah! It looks awesome! You should definitely try other bread recipes - there's really nothing like fresh bread :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks gourmet! Impressive for a first time for sure =) Try the fast rising yeast..I find it works good with people who don't want to wait(like me!)
ReplyDeleteI already commented on your photo on Flickr but must say again the challah is gorgeeeeeous! Challah is something I've wanted to make for years.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your challah is perfect - I would never know that this was the first bread you've ever made! Any interest in the Bread Baker's Apprentice challenge? Several of us (Audrey, Nancy, Kayte, Jessica) are baking/posting at a slower pacem, and there aren't any posting requirements anyway! It's been a lot of fun, and you are clearly a bread natural!
ReplyDeleteYour challah is just gorgeous! That slice at the top is perfectly shaped (my first attempt to braid is going to be quite amusing.) Cathy's right...bake with us once in a while if you can. You ARE a natural! It's like being a mom...you worry over the dough and then it turns out ok in the end.
ReplyDeleteoh this bread looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteVery nice challah! Great braid! I love baking bread. I hope you start making more! :D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first bread! It looks magnificent! I would have never known that this was your first time. Wow. With all the bread I have made, I have yet to make Challah bread. You did an excellent job.
ReplyDeleteOops, I read your post incorrectly. You have made bread before. I still think your challah looks stunning, though :).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful challah! I love making bread too, may have to steal this recipe!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteTry using an instant read thermometer. Most breads need to come to 190 degrees to be done. This takes the guess work out of deciding how long to leave the bread baking!!
Oh my goodness, your bread is gorgeous! I've always wanted to try making challah, but I'm way too intimidated. I'm glad it turned out so well for you!
ReplyDeleteyou can make challah at home? jk, but seriously, it's one of those things i've never even thought about making myself. looks great.
ReplyDeleteI've never made challah but have always wanted to, yours looks so good! Bravo to you for trying it!
ReplyDeleteYour challah looks absolutely beautiful and so evenly colored. I am envious of anyone who can make bread so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love to bake bread, although I don't do it very often. This looks wonderful - I should try it out!
ReplyDeleteThat looks perfectly done to me! I love the sesame seeds on there, very fresh from the bakery-ish :)
ReplyDeleteSo now that school is out, who gets all the baked goodness now?
Wow what an amazing looking challah bread :D I'm so impressed!
ReplyDeleteyou got a really nice crumb on that!
ReplyDeleteThat is one gorgeous loaf of bread! I don't know if I would have been able to stop at 1/4... :)
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job, it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteooowh nyum nyum! yuuummmm...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteSteph, that's a stunning challah! WOW...I would love to make challah but for eggs that go into the dough. I prefer my bread eggless, but I LOVE the way yours looks; beautifully glazed, plaited & sliced! Great to meet another baking obsessed blogger...xoxo
ReplyDeletethis looks really nice!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful challah, beautiful photos! I have to get over my fear of yeast because this looks incredible.
ReplyDeleteHahah that is the thing about challah - you just keep eating and eating it because it is so good and light! Gorgeous bread!
ReplyDeleteYour bread looks amazing!! Great job! MMMMM I loved picking up a big loaf of this in Penn station in Manhattan on my way home... so good!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful loaf! I just love the smell of fresh bread :) yum!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous loaf. I don't think I could ever have the patience to put something together so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHmm-- seeing the silver lining here-- you can immediately use it up for some awesome french toast! And seeing how amazingly long it is, you're in for plenty of treats! :)
ReplyDeleteSteph, Thats a b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l loaf of challah. I think you ought to take Cathy up on her proposition. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job and good luck on that "watched yeast." Glad you launched into breadom.
AmyRuth
Thanks! This looks amazing. I've been wanting to make challah, but of course with the addition of a chopped chocolate, butter, and sugar mixture..
ReplyDelete