It tastes like a pumpkin and looks like a pumpkin but it's challah!
Kitchen twine is the secret to making this exquisite and whimsical "pumpkin bread." Fresh roasted pumpkin flesh is ideal but a high-quality canned pumpkin will yield equally satisfying and orange-tinted dough. A scant pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg in the mix helps the brain confirm that the tastebuds are getting right what the eyes are seeing. Shape the dough into pumpkins (large or small) or traditional braids. Your Thanksgiving table needs this pillowy pumpkin loaf!
Equipment: measuring spoons, wet and dry measuring cups, two large mixing bowls, dough hook, standing mixer with dough hook attachment (optional), bench scraper, plastic wrap, baking sheet, parchment paper or nonstick baking mat, cooling rack; kitchen twine; scissors
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (at least 95°F - 110°F) 1 package yeast (or 2¼ teaspoons) 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil 1/3 cup light brown sugar 1 tablespoon kosher salt 2 large eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 4½ – 5 cups bread flour (or all-purpose) * 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon cold water
1-2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
"Bread flour has more gluten (wheat protein) than does all-purpose flour. The more gluten the stronger the bread structure, which also helps the dough to rise."
1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, sprinkle yeast and granulated sugar on warm water. Stir. Let stand for up to 10 minutes (it should look like the foam on beer).
2. In a large bowl, combine oil, brown sugar, salt, eggs, pumpkin puree, and then the yeast mixture. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, then 3 cups of flour.
3. Gradually stir in most of the remaining flour.* Dough will be sticky.
*ILOC tip: The amount of flour used will vary, depending upon the moisture in the air.
4. Place dough on lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes (or use a standing mixer with the dough hook on a low speed), adding a little flour at a time as needed. If dough sticks to the counter, use a bench scraper to clean the surface and lightly flour the board to prevent further sticking. When done kneading, the dough will feel silky and smooth.
5. Put dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1½ hours in a warm, draft-free environment until approximately doubled (the bowl placed inside your oven with the light on is a good spot).
6. Punch down the dough with your floured fist. If making...
one large braid: divide the dough into equal sections (3 or 4, depending on type of braid); roll each section into equal strands, tapering the ends as you roll. Pinch the strands together at one end and braid, maintaining the same tension as you go so that the challah will be symmetrical. Pinch the other end as well when done. (see a diagram detailing a four-strand braid)
two braids: divide the dough in half evenly set one half aside; divide each half into equal sections (3 or 4, depending on type of braid); roll each section into equal strands, tapering the ends as you roll. Pinch the strands together at one end and braid, maintaining the same tension as you go so that the challah will be symmetrical. Pinch the other end as well when done. Repeat for second challah. (see a diagram detailing a four-strand braid)
two large pumpkins: divide the dough in half evenly; shape each half into a ball and set aside. Cut eight pieces of twine, each 16 inches long. Use four pieces of twine per large pumpkin. Tie each piece of twine around the ball of dough, one perpendicular to the next so that 8 equal, sections of dough appear. (SEE VIDEO BELOW)
ILOC tip: if making large or small pumpkins, do not pull tight the twine around the dough. The dough will rise around the twine as it bakes, making the fluted pumpkin shape/sections. It will be easier to remove the twine this way once baked.
16 pumpkin rolls: divide the dough in half evenly; divide each half into 4 equal sections; divide each section in half for a total of 16 small pieces of dough; shape each piece of dough into a ball and set aside. Cut 16 pieces of twine, each 16 inches long. Tie each piece of twine around the ball of dough, one perpendicular to the next so that 8 equal, sections of dough appear. Once the knot is tied, trim any excess twine with scissors. (SEE VIDEO BELOW)
7. Place dough on parchment paper or nonstick baking mat. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel as it goes through the final rise for 30 minute to 1 hour.
"If you are pressed for time, you can skip the second rise and still get great results!"
8. Right before baking, brush the bread with beaten egg wash (egg and water).
9. Baking times:
one large braid: bake for 18 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven (shut the oven door so the heat does not escape). Brush with additional egg wash and rotate the pan when returning it to the oven. Bake for another 18 minutes.
two braids: bake for 15 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven (shut the oven door so the heat does not escape). Brush with additional egg wash and rotate the pan when returning it to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes.
two large pumpkins: bake for 15 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven (shut the oven door so the heat does not escape). Brush with additional egg wash and rotate the pan when returning it to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes.
16 pumpkin rolls: bake for 12 minutes and then remove the pan from the oven (shut the oven door so the heat does not escape). Brush with additional egg wash and rotate the pan when returning it to the oven. Bake for another 10-12 minutes.
"The bread should take approximately 30+/- minutes in total, until golden brown and challah sounds hollow when bottom is tapped. (Internal temperature approximately 190°F - 195°F) Temperature will vary depending on the size of the bread. "
10. Allow the bread to rest and cool for one hour before a) removing the kitchen twine, if making pumpkins, and b) serving. If making large pumpkins, place a cinnamon stick in the center of each loaf to resemble the stem.
Makes 1 large braid, 2 medium braids, 2 large pumpkins, or 16 pumpkin rolls.
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