During this past summer I got into baking challah most Fridays. It was a wonderful way to start a lazy summer day. Mixing ingredients with the kids, squishing and kneading the dough, and being together all makes for some simple family fun. The kids’ first day of summer was a Friday. It was a total sign to start off our Shabbat, and our summer, with something special, with something sweet. We had a Challah Mix-In Party to welcome a sweet Shabbat and a sweet summer. The kids now beg for this kind of party almost every Friday!
A challah mix-in party could easily work beyond a family-only/at-home party. Invite friends or extended family or make it a (very popular) activity in the classroom. The dough could be made ahead of time and the activity focused on mixing in the sweet treats and braiding the special dough. Everyone will enjoy creating their own personal treat—as well as smelling the delicious bread as it bakes! And the taste, that may be the best of all!
What You’ll Need
- Challah dough. My favorite recipe can be found here.
- Mix-ins of your choice: chocolate chips, sprinkles, candy
Putting It Together
1.Once the dough is ready, divide it up among the number of people joining the party. Each person should have their own prep area—a cutting board, or parchment paper is a nice way to keep everything clean and easy for transport to the cookie sheet.
2. Let people chose their own mix-ins and add them to their dough. We like to work them into the dough so they are evenly disbursed.
3. When finished adding the sweet treats, braid your challah as normal. Check out this braiding how-to if you’d like some ideas!
4. You can add a few extra mix-ins to the top of your braided loaf, but we usually keep them on the inside. Don’t forget to brush with egg wash and bake as directed!
5. Once finished, say the HaMotzi and enjoy your sweet treat together!
What’s your favorite way to make challah extra special?
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