Challah Bread with Raisins (AR)

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Ideally, this bread should be about 3 3/4" - 4 1/2" high in the very center of the loaf. The height of your bread may vary.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water (between 65 °F and 75 °F)
  • 2 teaspoons oil (between 65 °F and 75 °F)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 3 cups Bread Flour Mix "A"
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons xantham gum
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast granules (not quick-rise)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame or poppy seeds for top of bread (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1) Set bread machine to HOME MADE-MEMORY 1. Press CRUST CONTROL until the arrow points to Medium.

2) Remove bread pan from machine and ensure kneading blades are firmly secured in place.

3) Whisk water, oil, and eggs together until frothy (bubbles at the top) in a glass measuring cup and pour into the bread pan.

4) Whisk Bread Flour Mix "A", sugar, xantham gum, salt, and yeast in a small mixing bowl or container until well combined and sprinkle over the liquids. Without pressing down excessively hard, try to spread out the dry ingredients so they cover all the liquid.

5) Put the bread pan into the machine, secure it in place, and close the lid. Press START/RESTART.

6) During KNEAD cycle: add 3/4 to 1 cup raisins when machine beeps and the ADD indicator flashes. Scrape the pan with a rubber spatula if flour and/or raisins cling to the sides.

7) Optional, but suggested: During the KNEAD cycle, scrape the pan with a rubber spatula if flour clings to sides.

8) Optional: When the timer reads 1:55 and the machine stops kneading, quickly use an offset spatula or butter knife to smooth the top of the dough. Starting at the upper left-hand corner of the loaf, use a very sharp, pointed knife to draw a large repetitive "S" pattern down the middle of the loaf, from one end to the other. Next, start from the opposite corner and repeat the process. When you are finished, you will have drawn a braid on top of the dough. (If a g;azed appearance is desired, at this point you should very quickly brush the top of the dough with a well-beaten egg, but it is imperative that this is done very quickly.) Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame or poppy seeds across top of dough, if desired.

9) Remove bread pan from machine promptly when the BAKE cycle ends. Turn bread pan over to remove bread and place it on rack to cool (use a rubber spatula to release it if it sticks, so you don't scrape the nonstick pan). Bread should have a hollow sound when you tap on bottom and sides. Instant-read thermometer should register about 205 °F. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 weeks. Can be cut into 16 slices, not including ends.

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