The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

1st Challah

Petey's picture
Petey

1st Challah

I still can't figure out how to braid this, but it tastes great.

 

Floydm's picture
Floydm

It's a great start, Petey. Keep it up!

althetrainer's picture
althetrainer

What great effort!  Can't wait to see more pictures of your future breads.  Al

JoeV's picture
JoeV

Great first effort on the challah. Here is teh website where I learned how to braid bread dough... http://video.about.com/kosherfood/How-to-Make-Kosher-Challah.htm

Here is another video that I think may be more understandable. After the challah demonstration, watch some of the subsequent videos for more shaping tips for bread dough.

http://www.finecooking.com/videos/braiding-challah.aspx?ac=ts&ra=fp

Petey's picture
Petey

That woman makes it look so easy.

Thanks all!

niagaragirl's picture
niagaragirl

Looking good. For simplicity's sake, ask a lady to show you how hair is braided. Not kidding. Same deal.

A couple of tips - when forming your ropes, a very small amount of oil right on your hands will help with the rolling of the ropes. Just a few drops into the palm really - then rub your hands together and roll your ropes.

After rolling the ropes I usually give them a few minutes rest before formig the braid. Will help relax the gluten and lessen the "rubberband" effect that can happen while you are trying to braid.

When the ropes are ready to be assembled, flour them a bit. This will help keep them looking "separate" in the risisng and baking. The flour ad drier feel will also make the braid go a little easier. 

Good luck and happy braiding!

JoeV's picture
JoeV

dontcha just hate it when they make look so easy? LOL

Petey's picture
Petey

 Well I watched the video three times and I think I've got it.

So which came first, hair or bread? hehe

Yolandat's picture
Yolandat

Get yourself some playdoh and practise with that.

Yolandat's picture
Yolandat

Does anyone know how to braid a round loaf?

mrfrost's picture
mrfrost
The Whole Grain's picture
The Whole Grain

Lots of braiding videos on Youtube (and other great bread related videos).

There must be some for braiding round loafs.