Bread Machine Challah

Ingredients and Weight:

• All-purpose flour: 4 cups (480g)
• Granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons (28g)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
• Active dry yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons, 7g)
• Warm water (105-115°F): 1 1/2 cups (360ml)
• Unsalted butter, softened: 1/4 cup (56g)
• Large egg: 1 (50g)
• Egg yolk: 1, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for egg wash (15g)
• Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (4g), for topping (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 40-45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 1 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Place all the ingredients in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Select the "Dough" cycle and press start.
3. Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the bread machine and place it on a lightly floured surface.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
5. Roll out each part into a long rope and braid them together.
6. Place the challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Brush the challah with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
10. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 280 per slice
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and fluffy interior
• Braided crust with a golden brown color
• Slight sweetness with a hint of saltiness

User Comments:

• "This challah is so delicious! It's soft and fluffy, and the crust is perfectly golden brown."
• "I love the braided design. It looks like a piece of art!"
• "This recipe is so easy to follow. I'm so happy I tried it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a bread machine, you can make the dough by hand.
• Be sure to knead the dough for at least 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
• Let the challah rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This will help to ensure a soft and fluffy interior.
• If you don't have sesame seeds, you can sprinkle the challah with poppy seeds or other topping of choice.