The Fresh Loaf

News & Information for Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts

whole wheat challah

Trying Wheat Challah Bread...could use some insight.

Forums:

I've been making Challah for a few months using all purpose flour. I notice each time that the dough rises differently. Today I did a half white flour and half wheat flour using all oterh ingredients the same. There was virtually no rise at all after two hours then another one and one half after braiding. The bread was quite dense, good flavor but somewhat dry.

Any ideas about what I might be doing to stifle the rise and how to get a bit more moisture into the end product?

Bruce

December 6, 2011 - 11:02pm

Mebake

Challah, At long last!

At long last, i've baked a challah, a 100% whole wheat version from Peter Reinhart's Whole grain breads. I have to admit, i'am new to braiding, and daring to braid four strands was a little too much for me, especially with a high hydration dough.

I have made several mistakes:

1 - I did not mix in more whole wheat flour to reach to the desired consistency for a challah. This lead to a very sticky dough (feels like 80%).

2 - I screwed up the braiding pattern.

3 - I over-browned the crust.

However, i managed to transfer the gloppy braid to a parchment lined sheet, and baked it at the right time (I had to load it to the oven sooner, as higher hydration means faster fermentation).

The Crust was somewhat crunchy, and the crumb was soft, light, and Rich. It smelled of Poopy seed and Wholewheat. The flavor was slightly sweet, and very pleasently whole -wheaty. It Toasts very well too!

Lovely Bread! Healthy too!

whole wheat challah

Forums:

Whole Grains

Has anyone tried the whole wheat challah in Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Bread book? I am new to this forum, but not new to bread baking. I recently received Reinhart's book as a gift and have loved all of the bread I have tried from it. But I am only familiar with challah using white flour. I would appreciate any opinions on this bread. Thanks!