French-Style Butter Challah Draft

How I make it

Dough

1. Put the flour, salt and sugar in a stand mixer bowl and mix on low for a few seconds.

2. Warm the milk in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, until lukewarm (not hot, and never boiling).

3. In a small to medium bowl, stir the milk and yeast with a spoon or whisk until smooth and free of lumps.

4. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and mix on low for 4 minutes.

5. Add half the softened butter (60 g / about 4 tbsp) and mix on medium for 1 minute.

6. Add the remaining butter (60 g / about 4 tbsp) and mix on medium for 5 minutes.

Rising

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes.

2. Punch down the dough, cover again and let rise for another 45 minutes.

3. Punch down the dough and shape it into a long loaf.

4. Place the loaf in a loaf pan well greased with butter and press it gently so the top is level.

5. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. When the oven is hot, put in the pan and bake for 45 minutes.

3. Using oven mitts, turn the loaf out of the pan and set it directly on the oven rack.

4. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until the loaf looks well baked and is browned on the bottom too.

5. Remove, let cool slightly and serve with butter, cheeses or good preserves.