The middle. When everything happens and nothing happens. This is the “Active Recovery,” of Challah. After mixing and pressing and rolling and braiding, the Challah rests. The Challah is brushed with a mixture of 50/50 maple syrup and oat milk, this hydrates the dough while it rests, covered with a towel, hint, a lot is happening! During this 30 minutes the Challah rises, maybe 25%. Air is catching and filling tiny pockets, stretching the dough, against folds and rolls and braids. This is a slow warming up, the foundation for accelerated growth in the oven.
I brush the dough again before baking.
The middle takes attention and care, so your Challah is shaped for intentional growth, with enough strength to expand and resist as the bread finds the balance of room temperature and pressure. This is your Challah breathing!!!
Bake Challah, Create Peace.