When I was stationed in Germany, my landlord, Mr. Sherman, ran the bakery downstairs. He was stout, spirited, and full of life—and a bit too smart for his own good. I was a young, healthy, muscular soldier, and he decided to put me to work. He claimed it was to “keep my rent low,” but I’m pretty sure he just saw me as cheap labor.
A few days a week, I worked for him in the bakery. It may as well have been Home Depot for all I knew about bread at first. But every Thursday, I’d watch him make his challah, a braided bread so beautiful it practically flew off the shelves.
One day, I asked him, “What’s so special about this bread, and why do people only come for it once a week?”
Mr. Sherman paused, looking at me as if he were deciding my fate. Then he said, “Come here, Henry. Wash your hands.”
Learning the Art of Challah 🥖🌟
He put me to work shaping and braiding loaves of challah. I was terrible—clumsy and slow—but he was patient. As we worked, he explained the bread’s significance:
- The braids represent unity, community, and connection.
- Shaping it into a circle symbolizes the unending cycle of life, renewal, and continuity.
- The small piece of dough wrapped in aluminum foil and tossed into the back of the oven? It’s an offering, a way to give thanks and honor tradition.
Mr. Sherman would say a quiet prayer over the bread before it went into the oven. I had no idea at the time how much this simple act would influence me.
A Tradition That Lives On 🙏💫
Today, I still say that same prayer and toss a piece of dough wrapped in foil into the back of my oven. It’s my offering, my remembrance of him, and my way of honoring the traditions he shared with me.
Mr. Sherman planted a seed in me, and it grew into my passion for baking. I have him to thank for every loaf of bread I make today.
Now, I want to share this special loaf of challah with you—a beautiful braided circle to celebrate life, unity, and tradition. Let’s bake together!
Special Round Challah Recipe 🌍🍞
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 1 large braided loaf
Ingredients 🛒
For the Dough:
- 500g (4 cups) bread flour
- 10g (2 tsp) kosher salt
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) instant yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk (reserve white for egg wash)
- 60ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 175ml (3/4 cup) warm water
Toppings:
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- Optional: flaky sea salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, oil, and warm water. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (6–8 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
2️⃣ Let It Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
3️⃣ Divide and Braid:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
- Roll each piece into a rope. Coat one rope with black sesame seeds, another with white sesame seeds, and leave one plain.
- Braid the ropes, then shape them into a circle, pinching the ends together.
4️⃣ Second Rise:
- Place the braided circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise for 45–60 minutes.
5️⃣ Egg Wash and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the egg white with 1 tbsp water and brush it over the dough.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
6️⃣ Cool and Serve:
- Let the challah cool completely before slicing.
Why a Circle? 🌟🔄
The round shape represents the unending cycle of life, unity, and the connection between tradition and modernity. The contrasting sesame braids add both beauty and meaning, celebrating diversity within unity.
Bake this challah with me, and let’s carry on the legacy of bread, tradition, and gratitude. 💛✨
