Mandy Silverman of @mandylicious, a challah expert famous for her creative twists on challah, shared the secrets to making challah from A-Z on Kosher.com. Go from novice to pro faster than you thought possible! Recipes, step by step photos on how to braid loaves and rolls, gluten free options, topping ideas, troubleshooting tips, and even dip recipes!
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Here’s an excerpt with her step by step guide on making a 6-strand braid. Don’t be intimidated, she will walk you through the perfect braid technique with step-by-step photos. It’s easier than you think!
6-Strand Braid
Step-By-Step Directions:
1. Line up the six strands and, starting with the bottom half, take the strand all the way to the right and have it go OVER 2 strands.
2. Then UNDER 1 strand and OVER the remaining 2 strands, being sure to pull the strand alongside the others at the end.
3. Repeat the steps again starting the strand that is all the way to the right: OVER 2 strands.
4. UNDER 1. OVER 2.
5. Repeat until you get all the way to the bottom of the loaf and cannot stretch your strands anymore, and then pinch the ends together and tuck under.
6. Flip the loaf around and repeat the process.
7. Starting with the strand all the way to the right, go OVER 2 strands, UNDER 1 strand, OVER 2 strands.
8. Repeat until you can not go any further, then pinch the ends of the strands together and tuck under.
9. To help even things out, gently squeeze your challah from the sides and top and bottom.
10. Ta-da! It’s now ready to rise for 30 more minutes before baking.
11. Egg wash and top as desired (See: Toppings and Add-Ins) and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.
For more of Mandy’s expert tips, delicious challah recipes, and everything you need to master the art of challah baking, simply click here!