Spiced Whole Wheat Challah with Honey

Makes 1 large loaf

This is my go to special occasion/gift giving bread. It’s impressive but easy and so sweet and delicious. I call it “Zen Bread” because it’s so meditative to knead it!

ingredients

1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 package dry yeast
1 egg
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups whole wheat flour (or spelt or kamut)
1 cup all-purpose flour (more if necessary)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of ginger
Glaze:
2 tablespoons beaten egg
pinch salt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

directions

1
In a small bow, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over water and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Mixture should double in volume.
2
Meanwhile in a separate bowl, combine egg, honey, oil and salt.
3
Place whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger in a large bowl and stir together well.
4
When yeast mixture has doubled, stir down and combine with the egg mixture. Add to flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. Add more all-purpose flour just until dough comes together into a ball and can be kneaded. (Do not add too much flour of the bread will be hard and dry.) Knead dough on floured surface for about 10 minutes. (Knead dough in heavy mixer for 5 minutes or in food processor for 1 minute.)
5
Place dough in oiled bowl and cover with oiled plastic wrap and put in a warm place to rise. Allow to double in bulk - about 1 hour.
6
Punch dough down and knead in any dried fruit bits if you’re using them. To braid dough, cut into three equal pieces, roll each piece into rope about 12 inches/30 cm long, pinch three ends together and braid ropes together. Place on cookie sheet.
7
For glaze, combine 2 tablespoons egg with pinch of salt and gently brush over bread. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes.
9
Reduce heat to 325 degrees and continue baking for 25 minutes longer.