Honey Whole-Wheat Challah
(2 large or 3 medium loaves)
by Gil Marks
KosherEye.com
As reported by Beverly Levitt in 2010 in Triblive, Gil's piece d'resistance for the High Holidays is his Whole Wheat Challah, which leaves out the eggs and extra fat, using whole wheat, and honey to provide moisture.
Ingredients
2 (1/4-ounce) packages (about 5 teaspoons) active dry yeast or 1-ounce cake (35 grams) fresh yeast
2 1/4 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees for dry yeast; 80 to 85 degrees for fresh yeast)
1/3 to 1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon table salt or 4 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
About 3 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
Optional: 1 cup raisins or dried currants (or 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots or dates)
Directions
Dissolve the yeast in 1/2 cup water. Stir in 1 teaspoon honey and let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
Blend in the remaining water, remaining honey, oil, salt, and whole-wheat flour. Add enough white flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to make a workable dough.
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and springy, 10 to 15 minutes. (Lightly oiling your hands before kneading makes whole-wheat dough more manageable.) Knead in the optional fruit.
Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until almost double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
Punch down the dough. Divide in half or thirds. Shape into rounds, spirals, or crowns and place on greased baking sheets. Cover loosely and let rise until double in bulk, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Bake until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool.
Notes
Kosher, Parve, Bread, Challah
No time to make Challah dough, no problem!
To purchase click here: Zojirushi Bread Maker (Amazon).
Selecting a Breadmaker can be confusing.
Especially if one has not previously owned a bread machine. So many choices - one paddle or two? vertical loaves or horizontal loaves? A machine that makes a 1 lb. loaf or a 2 lb. loaf? Size of the actual machine? Ease of use? Settings? Decisions... decisions... decisions!
So let's talk! We have recently tested the newest model, of the Zojirushi (pronounced zo-jih-ROO-shee) bread maker, the Virtuoso BB-PAC 20. In fact, since we have grown so attached to it, let's use its nickname, the Zo. It has moved to a position front and center in our kitchen, right up there with our stand mixer, Vitamix, Coffee Maker, and food processor. Not only are we busily making whole wheat bread for weekday sandwiches, challah for Shabbos, and cinnamon rolls (yumm) much too often, but we have also made jam. strawberry jam to be exact. So simple! Making jam was so easy, that we plan to progress to blueberry and peach jam later this summer.
Yes, the Zo is an investment ($275), but if you have the counter or pantry space available, and if you love fresh bread and preserves, we think that it is well worth the price. If you use it often, studies have indicated that over time, homemade bread costs substantially less than store-bought bread, and is, of course, healthier, (We guess that depends on your ingredient choices.)
Why did we select Zojirushi? – We compared many popular bread machines, some less costly, but liked the features on the Zo. The Home Bakery Virtuoso® Breadmaker (BBBAC20). If you plan to become a regular breadmaker...these features are important.
The Virtuoso bakes a traditional, horizontal-shaped 1 ½ - 2-lb. loaf, has dual kneading blades, 13-hour delay timer, easy to read clock, and many varied menus settings-including basic bread, wheat bread, gluten-free bread, sourdough starter, dough, jam, cake, quick bread and 3 homemade settings for custom recipes. Trust me, we are not techies, but the accompanying recipe book offers easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for each setting. Additionally, the Virtuoso has an exclusive lid heater, which makes even baking and proper browning possible. The dual paddles ensure thorough mixing and kneading and result in a higher rise. The bread pan includes easy-lift handles, ensuring quick and safe loaf removal of the loaves. And there is a large window to watch what's happening.
And, we must share one of our favorite features..the 13-hour delay timer – which allows us to go to bed and wake up to fresh homemade bread in the morning. Sounds so good, doesn't it? Yes, it's truly amazing. We also especially like the dough cycle, which is perfect for mixing up a batch of cinnamon buns, challah, and rolls.
We find the 2 lb. size loaf convenient, some to slice, some to store and even some to freeze. For Shabbos challah, the Zo delivers fresh challah in a hurry on a Friday morning. One 90-minute cycle provides enough dough to make two 1 lb. loaves. We shape them, place them in loaf pans or on our Silpat mat, let them rise for 1 hour, and bake for 30 minutes. Done! By the way, for those readers who are gluten-free, the Zo even offers a setting for you. So, dear readers, if you are in the market for a breadmaker, do consider the ZO, and share your thoughts (and recipes) with us.
To purchase click here: Zojirushi Bread Maker (Amazon).
*This is not a sponsored post. All recommended products are Koshereye tested. We hope to only provide you with amazing Kosher products and recipes. Koshereye may make a small commission if you purchase a product through our Amazon links.
Don’t get stuck in a sticky situation.
Get those sweet gifts for Rosh Hashana today!
Compiled by: Yaakov Galen, Editor-in-chief
Receiving a thoughtful gift can make all the difference, especially during auspicious times like Rosh Hashanah. Giving gifts can also feel wholesome and empowering knowing that the recipient of your gift deeply appreciates it.
I compiled this list of gifts that I loved. Although I won't be ordering all of them, I will mention the ones I plan to choose. You can order them straight from Amazon and take care of your Rosh Hashana gifts today.
Honey Gifts
I think it's "dip the apple in the honey" or something like that. Correct me if I'm wrong.
1. Honeycomb ($20 Range)
Honey in its natural form, right out of the beehive! Oh and it is certified Kosher! (Certified Kosher by EarthKosher based in Colorado and on the CRC kosher list.)
Click here to purchase: Honeycomb
2. A Delectable Honey Selection ($20 Range)
I used to think honey was just the generic tasting honey we tend to find in the bear containers. As I learned more about honey, I discovered an entire honey world of flavors, textures, and colors. In summary, bees make honey with the pollen they collect in nearby areas. When raw (not infused) honey has a specific flavor it is because the bees collected pollen from areas with pollen that embodies that flavor. Ex. Orange-tasting honey is most likely sourced from the pollen of orange blossoms.
This selection comes with four kinds of honey and is certified OU-P. Berry, Orange Blossoms, Wildflower, and Clover.
Click here to purchase: Bee Harmony Mini Honey Gift Set
3. A Gorgeous Honey Gift ($50 Range)
This company has been featured on Kosherye before and we love them. They have a wonderful selection of delicious honey and their bottling is perfect for gifts. Oh, and they are KSA Kosher, also recommended by the CRC.
"Coming straight from the Altamaha and Apalachicola River Basins of Georgia and Florida, Savannah Bee Tupelo Honey preserves the authenticity of its roots. It has a buttery texture while being sweetly reminiscent of nature's taste enhancers from these areas." -Savannah Bee
Click here to purchase: Tupelo Honey by Savannah Bee
Swag for the kids
Although they may appreciate slathering honey all over their Rosh Hashanah dinner, swag for the kids is always a winner.
4. Hakol Dvash (everything is honey) T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Hakol Dvash T-shirt
5. Shofar So Good T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Shofar so good T-shirt
6. Apple. Honey. Dip. Repeat. T-shirt ($20 Range)
Click here to purchase: Apple. Honey. Dip. Repeat. T-shirt
Oh my goodness, yes, swag for the baby.
This one is not for the baby obviously, it's for everyone else. Dress the baby up in cute Rosh Hashanah attire to keep everyone entertained.
7. My First Rosh Hashana Bib ($15 Range)
Click here to purchase: My First Rosh Hashana Bib
8. Shofar So Good Funny Baby Onesie ($15 Range)
Click here to purchase: Shofar So Good Funny Baby Onesie
Honey Dishes
This dish concept is a staple in many Jewish homes on Rosh Hashanah. These small practical honey dishes are a great way to show importance to the significance of the honey at our table. This selection of honey dishes is a few of my favorites that I was able to find online.
9. Stainless Steel and Glass Honey Dish ($20 Range)
By Art Judaica, With the Words A Good and Sweet Year in Hebrew
Click here to purchase: Stainless Steel and Glass Honey Dish
10. Glass Apple and Honey Dish ($50 Range)
Pomegranate Shape with Stones
Click here to purchase: Glass Apple and Honey Dish
11. Aluminum Pomegranate Honey Dish ($20 Range)
A Rosh Hashanah Plate By Yair Emanuel
Click here to purchase: Aluminum Pomegranate Honey Dish
12. Aluminum Apple Shaped Honey Dish ($50 Range)
Gold Honeycomb Design. Comes with a spoon.
Click here to purchase: Aluminum Apple Shaped Honey Dish
13. Nickel-Plated Pomegranate Honey Dish ($40 Range)
Click here to purchase: Nickel-Plated Pomegranate Honey Dish
14. Sterling Silver Apple Honey Dish ($800 Range)
Made of 925 Sterling silver with bee by Nadav Art ($800 Range)
Click here to purchase: Sterling Silver Apple Honey Dish
Tableware Gifts
These kinds of gifts are often cherished and become staple pieces on your family and friend's tables. Be sure that the design would fit the ambiance of your recipient's home. These are 2 favorites I was able to find online.
15. Rosh Hashanah Table Runner ($80 Range)
This runner is embroidered with various, Simanim, Brachos, and phrases we experience on the night of Rosh Hashana. It is a linen-cotton blend and is machine washable. This runner is made here in the USA. Size: 16 x 122” ( 40 x 310cm )
Click here to purchase: Rosh Hashanah Table Runner
16. Challah Cover with Pomegranates Embroidery ($20 Range)
Challah bread cover with pomegranates design and Hebrew Brachos embroidery. Dimensions: 21 inch x 17 inch / 55 cm x 45
- Click here to purchase: Challah Cover with Pomegranates Embroidery
Fruit and Candy Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are a classy way to tell someone you appreciate or even love them. The Oh Nuts brand has been a favorite of mine for a while, they are reasonably priced, and they are on Amazon! These are my two favorites.
17. Oh! Nuts® Dried Fruit Gift Basket ($30 Range)
- From the vendor:
- Vegan, all-natural, and no sugar added: Our nutritious dried fruit is packed with healthy vitamins, minerals, and fiber for the ultimate diet-friendly indulgence. No additives, naturally sweet, zero sugar added, dairy-free, and vegan safe. Comes in an apple-shaped basket. OK Parave
Click here to purchase: Dried Fruit Gift Basket
18. Oh! Nuts® Chocolate Covered Cookie Gift Basket ($30 Range)
From the vendor:
This beautiful Oh! Nuts tray contains an assortment of 20 decorated sandwich cookies. The gift box is neatly divided into 20 compartments to highlight the beauty of each individual piece. Replace the traditional candy and chocolates with trendier baked goods and dessert treats. OK Parave
Click here to purchase: Oh! Nuts® Chocolate Covered Cookie Gift Basket
*This is not a sponsored post. All recommended products are Koshereye tested. We hope to only provide you with amazing Kosher products and recipes. Koshereye may make a small commission if you purchase a product through our Amazon links.