Whole Wheat Honey Challah

Ingredients:

Bread:

• 4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water 105-110°F

• 1 teaspoon + 1/4 cup honey divided

• 1/4 cup compliant sugar

• 6 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

• 2 pinches cardamom

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 4 large eggs

• 3/4 cup avocado oil

Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon honey

Utensils:

• 2 mixing bowls

• 2 large mixing bowls

• whisk

• mixing spatula

• 2 baking sheets

• parchment paper

• plastic wrap

• kitchen towel

• small mixing bowl

• basting brush

Instructions:

1. prepare ingredients

2. get a mixing bowl and add 4 1/2 tsp of yeast

3. pour 1 1/2 cups of warm water into the bowl

4. add 1 tsp of honey to the bowl and give it a mix and allow it to stand still for 5 minutes until the top is foamy

5. get a large mixing bowl and add 6 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour

6. add 1/4 cup of sugar to the bowl

7. add 2 pinches of cardamom to the bowl

8. add 2 tsp of salt to the bowl and mix together

9. get another regular mixing bowl and add 4 eggs

10. pour 3/4 cup of avocado oil into the bowl

11. add 1/4 cup of honey to the bowl and whisk together until smooth

12. pour the egg mixture into the flour

13. pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix together until combined; the dough will be very sticky and shaggy at this point

14. cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes

15. turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 7-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky

16. get a large bowl and grease with some oil

17. transfer the dough to the lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap and set aside for 2-3 hours until it has doubled in size

18. preheat the oven to 375°F

19. line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

20. split the dough in half and work with one half at a time

21. divide the half into 3 equal portions

22. roll each portion into about a 1 foot log

23. braid the 3 logs together as if you are braiding hair then pinch and tuck the ends to seal

24. place the braided dough onto one of the prepared baking sheets

25. repeat this process with the second half of dough but place it on the second baking sheet

26. cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for 30 minutes

27. get a small mixing bowl and whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp of honey until smooth

28. brush the tops of both loafs with a thin layer of egg wash

29. place the loaves in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown then remove and allow them to cool on a wire rack

Use this dough for french toast, sandwiches, or toast and store in an airtight container on the counter or fridge to last longer.