Sweet Challah

Ingredients and Weight:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping
• 1 cup (200ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60g) raisins (optional)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, butter, egg yolk, and honey.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Add the raisins, if desired, and knead for another minute to combine.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
8. Shape the pieces into your desired challah shapes, such as a braid or round loaf.
9. Place the challahs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
10. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. Bake the challahs for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
13. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 6g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and doughy
• Braided or round shape
• Golden brown crust
• Raisins provide a hint of sweetness

User Comments:

• "This challah was a hit at my brunch party. It was easy to make and had the perfect balance of sweetness."
• "I love the raisins in this challah. They add a nice touch of texture and flavor."
• "This is the best challah I've ever had. It's so soft and flavorful."
• "I'm not a big fan of sweet challah, but this one was just right. It was sweet enough to satisfy my cravings, but not too sweet."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for 10-12 minutes.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour. If it's too dry, add a little water.
• Let the challahs rise in a warm, draft-free place.
• Check the challahs for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the challahs are done.