There is nothing like oven fresh homemade bread. I used to make my bread from scratch. Ever since I heard about the bread machine I wanted one. I was told not to waste my money, it would be an appliance that would be used a lot at the beginning then stored and forgotten.
Guess what? I’m stubborn, I wanted one and was going to make it work. My family enjoyed lots of home made loaves for awhile. Over time that has changed and I now use the bread machine as a dough maker.
All ingredients are put into the chamber and I am free to do other things. After a couple of hours I come back to find that the machine has done all the work for me. I take the beautiful risen dough out of the machine, shape and bake it in my oven. Some of my family favourites include cinnamon buns, hot cross buns, sweet breads, Challah braided loaves, baguettes and pizza dough.
Braided Bread
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
3 Tbsp shortening
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 2/3 cups white all-purpose flour
1 tsp bread machine yeast
Glaze:
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp water
Directions:
Measure first 7 ingredients in the order into Baking Pan
Select Dough/Pasta setting
Press Start
When cycle is complete remove dough from the machine into a lightly floured surface.
Divide into 6 portions for smaller loaves and then make 3 strips from each loaf. Braid using these 3 strips per loaf.
Place on lightly greased baking sheet . Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes or until double in volume.
Beat egg yolk with one tablespoon of water and brush over the loaves.
Sprinkle with topping of your choice, I used Everything but the Bagel Spice on some of the loaves and mixture of Parmesan cheese and garlic powder on the rest.
Bake at 350F for about 20 – 25 minutes
Tip for a traditional Challah loaf:
Here is a single 6 braid loaf using same dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into long smooth strips using the palm of your hands. The pieces should be thicker in the middle and gradually taper towards the ends. Braid the 6 dough strips.
Place the loaf on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for approximately 30 minutes.
Brush egg wash over the loaf and bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes.
