Homemade Challah

The husband suggested "Challah Back" for the title (as in "Hollaback Girl", that popular song by Gwen Stefani). It's nice to have such an involved and supportive husband...

Anyway, last night I was gripped by a sudden need to bake. So there I was, kneading and pounding dough at 10pm. I didn't realize kneading bread was such a workout. After half an hour, I was sweating profusely and smearing flour all over my shiny face. By the time the bread finished baking, it was close to 1am.

It was worth it though. The challah loaves came out lovely. Golden and thinly crispy on the outside, soft and moist on the inside. I loosely followed the recipe from this book.
The recipe called for 7 3/4 cups of flour but I only used 6 cups.

Here's another beauty shot -- the key is in the egg/milk wash just before placing the loaves in the oven.

It's absolutely scrumptious with strawberry jam - yum!!