Cooking for The King
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| 5 cups warm water | 1 cup vegetable oil |
| 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided . | 4 tablespoons Kosher salt (3 in Israel) |
| 4 tablespoons yeast | 1 egg, beaten | 5 pounds flour |
active time: 45 minutes ~ total time: 3 hours
this challah recipe makes eight 1 pound loaves
wrap well to freeze for up to 1 month
1. Pour the warm water into a very large mixing bowl.
May our home be a warm environment, conducive for Torah growth.
2. Stir in a half cup of the sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and stir once. Cover the bowl with a large towel. Allow to stand about 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
May our desire to come close to Hashem by doing his will
fuel our growth.
3. Add the flour to the bowl.
4. Pour in the oil a little at a time.
of the Jewish people. As you pour, say the name of each family member and think of their noble qualities.
May they use them well to serve
Hashem and k'lal Yisrael.
5. Add an overflowing cup of sugar.
May we have emuna that Hashem is constantly at our side.
6. Measure salt into a small dish. Remove and discard a small amount of salt. Add the remainder to the flour mixture.
preventing the dough from over inflation and collapse.
We remove a bit of salt to remind us that, while we must give rebuke to help our loved ones grow properly,
may we have the wisdom to withhold our full force.
7. Either in the bowl or on a clean flat surface, knead the dough until very smooth, adding small amounts of flour if the dough becomes sticky and oil if the mixture is dry.
Now is an opportune time to think of those in need of our prayers and ask Hashem to bless them with health, children, success,
a suitable match and peace.
8. Oil the sides of the bowl, roll the dough in the oiled bowl until it is completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap. Place covered bowl in a draft free place, a closed oven is good, to rise for an hour or until doubled in bulk.
Oiling the bowl reduces friction and helps the dough to rise. May we help our loved ones by giving them warmth and understanding.
9. When the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Uncover, punch gently in the center with your fist, the dough will deflate. Take challah. Here's how ~ &~here's why.
Whether you use the ingredients in this challah recipe, bake from one of your own or patronize your local bakery, we recognize that everything we have is from the open, loving, merciful hand of Hashem.
10. Shape dough into eight loaves. You can also make other breads with a challah recipe. Place shaped breads baking pan lined with parchment paper or in pans coated with baking spray. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 30 minutes to one hour, until almost doubled. After rising, brush with beaten egg and bake 25-35 minutes until golden. Remove loaves from pans to cool on a wire rack.
Each of the steps in this challah recipe help to prepare for the onset of Shabbos. When you light your candles and turn to see two challos crowning your table, feel the malchus of Shabbos entering your home. May all who are seated around this table feel their nobility as one of k'lal Yisrael; this is a table set for The King.