Easy Challah Bread

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Flour: 500 grams
2. Dry active yeast: 1 packet (about 7 grams)
3. Warm water: 1 cup
4. Sugar: 3 tablespoons
5. Salt: 1 teaspoon
6. Unsalted butter: 60 grams (softened)
7. Eggs: 2
8. Sesame seeds or oats for topping (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 3 hours (including rising time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast, let stand until foamy.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add flour and salt, and mix well to form a dough.
4. Add softened butter and eggs, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a log or desired shape.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat.
9. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or oats (if using).
10. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g (approx.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Soft and tender texture with a slightly sweet taste from the sugar and butter.
• Great for serving with meals or as a snack, especially with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Can be customized with different toppings or fillings if desired.

User Comments:

1. "This bread is amazing! So soft and tasty, it goes well with everything!" - John Smith, New York.
2. "Easy to make and really delicious, my family loved it!" - Sarah Johnson, California.
3. "Perfect for a weekend baking project, this bread is a hit at my house." - Michael Davis, Texas.
4. "Great recipe for those who want to try baking their own bread at home." - Emily Brown, Florida.
5. "Love the sesame seeds on top, gives it a nice crunch." - David Thompson, Arizona.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use warm water when combining with yeast to activate it properly.
• The dough needs to rise in a warm place for best results, you can use an oven with the light on or a draft-free area in your home for this step.
• Brush the top of the bread with melted butter to give it a richer flavor and help create a golden brown crust during baking.