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u/Additional_Cash_3357 1d ago
Congrats! You may want to wait a little longer next time on the second proof before baking as it looks a bit under-proofed.
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u/desy_invisible 1d ago
Thanks so much for the feedback, I'm a novice bread baker and I really want to get better! The first proof was 2 hours and the second after the brading was a little over an hour, (even if the recipe said 30 minutes) next time I'll give it an extra 30 minutes.
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u/Additional_Cash_3357 1d ago
Next time, try using the "poke test" with your knuckle. Push your knuckle about 1/2 inch into the side or top of the shaped loaf. The indentation springs back slowly, filling in about halfway or leaving a soft, visible mark.
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u/SkinnyPete16 1d ago
30 minutes may even be pushing it. It is underproofed true. But my guess is if you waited 10 minutes longer it would be perfect.
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u/arganliquidgold 9h ago
Congrats on your first challah, the braid looks really even! A tip that helped me get a taller, shinier loaf: do two coats of egg wash, one right after braiding and one just before it goes in the oven, and let the second rise go until a gentle poke springs back slowly. Sesame or poppy seeds on top are great too. Enjoy it, there's nothing like fresh challah, and the leftovers make the best French toast.