I finally baked my own bread for the first time!  I mean all by myself, no bread machine or mixer or NUTHIN!

No better way to watch my husband-to-be, Peyton Manning, lose the Superbowl

Rach vs. yeast, Round 1.  Ding ding ding!!!

I used a recipe from the Food Network website that my mother sent to me.  It was good because it didn’t require that much time to prepare and to rise (perfect for first-timers) and it allowed me to watch Peyton at the same time.

Bistro Challah (with some Rachel modifications)

*  4 teaspoons active dry yeast
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees)
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 3 eggs
* 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups flour (I used 4 1/2… the dough was really sticky so I kept adding…)
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 beaten egg

Place the yeast, sugar and warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir and let stand for about 10 minutes, until creamy and foamy. Add the melted butter and eggs and mix well.Combine the flour with the salt. Add it to the yeast mixture, 1 or 2 cups at a time, until it forms a soft dough. Place the dough on a well-floured board and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place the dough in a large, well-greased bowl, then flip the dough over to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let stand in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Punch the dough down, and separate it into three pieces. 

Roll each piece into a long cylinder.  The pinch the ends of the three cylinders together and braid the bread.  After braiding, pinch the other ends of the three cylinders together. 

Brush braided loaf with beaten egg.  Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool before slicing.

Isn’t it beautiful?

I have to admit, this is one of the recipes I have made that I have been the most proud of.  It’s not perfect by any means, but it helped me to overcome my fear of all things containing yeast.  Woo hoo!