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Short Summary
Main recommendation: Make a five-strand challah, which is simpler than it sounds, and for special occasions top it with a three-strand braid to create a "knock the socks off" look. The method is to braid five strands by repeatedly moving the outside strand of the group of three into the center, then flatten the five-braid in the center with a rolling pin and lay a three-braid on top. The speakers note this produces a showy loaf from two of the easiest shapes.
Key Points
- The five-strand braid is described as less complicated than the two-strand or four-strand braids, despite sounding daunting.
- The five-strand braid ends up looking like a three-strand braid, yet produces a lot of shape and volume, impressing people who don't know how it was made.
- The loaf can be made long and thin, or shorter and smaller for a medium loaf.
- The special-occasion version adds a three-strand braid on top of a flattened five-strand braid.
- The speakers present this as a good choice for Shabbat or entertaining guests.
Details Worth Noting
- Concrete instructions:
- Make sure the dough is in a good place: the gluten should be relaxed, and the dough should be flexible and not sticky. Do not add flour, oil, or other ingredients while working it.
- Divide the dough into five strands (rope shapes).
- Braid by separating the strands into a group of three and a group of two. Move the outside strand of the three into the center. You now have three and two again. Repeat: outside of the three into the center, all the way down.
- Pinch the end to finish the braid, and tighten the top connection so everything is secure, trimming any uneven bottom ends if needed.
- For the special occasion version, let the five-braid rest, then flatten it in the center with a rolling pin and let it relax briefly.
- Braid a three-strand loaf separately and place it on top of the flattened five-braid. Push gently into the center if needed, since the dough springs back.
- Show both sides when finished, then sprinkle with topping before baking.
- The speakers note that the dough should have just enough friction on the table to roll, not slide.
- The special-occasion version is described as "knock the socks off," also jokingly called "simala," said to mean celebrate with this challah tonight or any special occasion.
Bottom Line
A five-strand challah is an approachable way to make a tall, impressive loaf, and adding a three-strand braid on top turns it into a showpiece for special occasions.
