Buttermilk Bread, Buttermilk (Egg-Less) Challah

1. 1

   (Start with 6 cups of flour and add more as you need it).

2. 2

   Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a small cup and allow to proof for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Pour the yeast, buttermilk, and honey into the flour mixture and mix well. (If making challah add eggs at this stage too, you may need as little as 1/2 cup to as much as 2 cups of flour, the dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky).

5. 5

   (If the dough is too dry add more buttermilk, if it is more like a cake batter add more flour, the measurements are approximate as your climate will change the consistancy of the dough).

6. 6

   Knead by machine or hand for approximately 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (not airtight) or a damp cloth, and set aside to rise until the dough has doubled in size, approximately 90 minutes.

8. 8

   Divide the dough into 12 to 20 pieces. (If making Challah bread the loaves at this stage).

9. 9

   Shape each piece into a ball and place in a round dish or spring-form pan close together.

10. 10

    When all of the rolls are in the pan, cover again with plastic or a damp towel and set aside to rise again for an hour.

11. 11

    Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425.

12. 12

    Uncover the rolls and brush gently with the egg wash. Sprinkle on the topping, if you like.

13. 13

    Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 190-200u00b0F (It might look finished on the outside but not on the inside, if you have a thermometer test the temp at about 20 mins, mines are usually done).

14. 14

    Optional: Glaze the bread with butter when it comes out of the oven. Serve warm (but tastes fine cooled).

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.