I write these words on Friday afternoon. I have just finished braiding the challah that we will eat in a few hours, and it is now under a dish towel, for its final rise. I love the feel of the dough in my hands, and the ritual of braiding, feeling the tradition in between my fingers, knowing that millions of other Jewish women have done this very same thing Friday afternoons for forever. I love the way the doughy aroma fills the house — it smells like Shabbos. But I can’t help but feel the tiniest bit guilty because of my secret: the bread machine.
At about 2 p.m. came the email from my friends who invited us for Shabbos tonight: bring challah and a cabbage dish (I had offered cabbage, because that’s what came in our CSA box this week).
It’s only in the last month that I’ve come across my perfect challah recipe. Since we got the bread machine for our wedding last summer, I’ve been trying to find the perfect recipe, with a combination of whole wheat and white flour. I’ve made numerous attempts, with each one having some fatal flaw. But this one is, quite simply, perfection.
If you doubt me, only look at the photo. Those lovely loaves were from several weeks ago. I had to photograph them because I couldn’t believe that they came from me. (And if you are wondering what those seeds are on top, they are hemp seeds, giving this challah a uniquely Bay Area twist. I had them from another recipe, and couldn’t think of anything else to use them for. I am now famous for my hemp-seed challah.)
Is using a bread machine cheating? I can’t help but think that it might be. But for those of us who might not make challah otherwise, because of time or other constraints, it is simply a gift.
Obviously, the braiding and final rise are done outside the machine, and the baking is done in the oven. And the enjoyment is by people who are so grateful to have homemade challah at their Shabbos table. And the satisfaction knowing that it was you that made it for them? As the commercial says: Priceless. Even if you feel that you are cheating just a little.
Bread Machine Whole-Wheat Challah Recipe

2/3 c. water
2 T. oil
2 eggs
2 T. honey
1 t. salt
2 1/4 c. white flour
1 c. whole wheat flour
1 1/2 t. regular yeast

Put in bread machine in order it calls for. Mix on dough cycle. Remove, braid and cover. Let rise about 45 min. Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with poppy, sesame seeds or hemp seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Makes 2 loaves.