Last week, this little url turned six years old, though I am absolutely, unequivocally certain that the day I started typo-ing typing away here was a lifetime ago. I’d been married for almost a year. I was terrified to cook most things without a recipe. I kind of hated my day job (but loved my coworkers — still!). And this little guy — more on him next week — well, he wasn’t even a glimmer in our (still well-rested) eyes yet. While some things haven’t changed (for example, I have no idea what the buttons on my camera do, still), 801 recipes and over 151,000 comments later, I am fairly certain that what comes next is the last place I’d imagined this conversation going back then. And yet:
Over the years, I have occasionally written about cooking too much of something and have invited you to come over and help us with the feast, because wouldn’t it be fun if we could all cram in my tiny kitchen together and hang out? I realize you’ve probably thought I was joking. Obviously, throwing a huge party in a kitchen that barely fits me and the toddler-mounted trike that’s always in there anyway would be a disaster. But the thing is, I wasn’t. I just didn’t let the logistical implausibility in any way diminish my insistence that, given the chance, I think we’d all get along famously.
Which brings me to The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook Book Tour [Sorry, this date has long since passed!]: As it turns out, we can hang out and cook and chat, even if we can’t do it in my pathetically tiny kitchen. I am so excited about this part; I have joked more than once that it’s the entire reason I wrote a book. Plus, it’s important that you see before your own eyes what a complete and total normal person super-professional grown-up dork I am.
So, without further ado, let me direct you over to the Events & Book Tour Page, and then, I do hope you’ll hurry right back because this bread, it’s kind of a big deal.
There are recipes in the book that showed up in my head long before there was even a book proposal and others that I added when I realized that (gasp!) a cookbook deserved a beloved grilled cheese sandwich and that I totally forgot to tell you about this chocolate pie my mom used to make. I love both groups of recipes but I have a extra level of sentimentality attached to the first ones. This idea of a fig, olive oil, and sea salt challah came to me one day when my tiny (!) newborn Jacob had fallen asleep in my arms again and like all silly new mamas, I felt a little bummed because there was so much I’d hope to get done but I was now glued in place for a while. It lived in the back of my head through all those early sleepless nights and the flummoxed daytimes when I thought, “No way I am ever going to have time to cook again.” And about six months later, when I finally had the chance to make it happen, I sprung forth into the kitchen and, well, I’d like to tell you it was a home run. All of that pining had to amount to something, right?
The challah always tasted good, but there were logistical challenges across the board as tried to figure out how to insert figs into a challah without dotting the dough with unpleasant fig lumps or having such an elaborate assembly that nobody would ever bother with it. I even put it down for several months, concluding that not all premonitions that come to you while on human crib duty are meant to be. And then last year, I made you an Apple and Honey Challah and figuring the logistics of apple-ing up that challah is what finally made the fig version click for me. Finishing the challah from there was a cinch. Okay, I lied. It still took four more rounds. I began showing up at preschool drop-off with gigantic, still warm-from-the-oven challahs to dump on the other parents because I could no longer fit them in my kitchen.
But, it had a happy ending. This may not be a challah our grandparents may recognize, it may even be a little risky to suggest that one would shirk tradition (often, round raisin challahs for the New Year) for something with a little imported sea salt, but I will go out on a limb for this challah. I think it’s worth it. And should any of it survive the evening meal, I want you to know that its leftovers make the finest French toast we’ve yet to have — especially good with a hint of orange zest, drizzle of warm honey and dollop of fresh ricotta on top.
Cookbook previews, previously: For those of you following along at home, this is a third preview from the cookbook. The first was the Cinnamon Toast French Toast. The second, for Leek-Vegetables with Lemon Cream appeared in a New York Times article a couple months ago (in the book, they’re leek fritters; in the newspaper, they have other vegetables too and are absolutely stunning). And this is the third. Now, I realize from the two previews on this site make it seem like the book is nothing but sweet stuff, but the split is more like 1/3-2/3, leaning towards the savory. The next preview will include one of my favorite fall dinner recipes.
One year ago: Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Two years ago: Linguine with Tomato-Almond Pesto
Three years ago: Chocolate Pudding Pie
Four years ago: The Baked Brownie, Spiced Up
Five years ago: Lemon Layer Cake
Six years ago: Key Lime Tartlets and Romaine Pesto and Egg-Stuffed Tomatoes
Fig, Olive Oil and Sea Salt Challah
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet — 1/4 ounce or 7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (85 grams) plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 2/3 cup warm water (110 to 116 degrees F)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil, plus more for the bowl
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, or 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (5 1/2 ounces or 155 grams) stemmed and roughly chopped dried figs
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest, or more as desired
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- Few grinds black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Coarse or flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Bread
Fig Filling
Egg wash
To make the dough by hand: Proof the yeast as directed above. Mix the wet ingredients with a whisk, then add the salt and flour. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Turn the mixture out onto a floured counter, and knead for 5 to 10 minutes, until a smooth and elastic dough is formed. Let rise as directed above.
Meanwhile, make fig paste: In a small saucepan, combine the figs, zest, water, juice, salt, and a few grinds of black peper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, and let cool to lukewarm. Process fig mixture in a food processor until it resembles a fine paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Set aside to cool.
Insert figs: After your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured counter and divide it in half. Roll the first half of the dough into a wide and totally imperfect rectangle (really, the shape doesn’t matter). Spread half the fig filling evenly over the dough, stopping short of the edge. Roll the dough into a long, tight log, trapping the filling within. Then gently stretch the log as wide as feels comfortable (I take mine to my max counter width, a pathetic three feet), and divide it in half. Repeat with remaining dough and fig filling.
Weave your challah: Arrange two ropes in each direction, perpendicular to each other, like a tight tic-tac-toe board. Weave them so that one side is over, and the other is under, where they meet. So, now you’ve got an eight-legged woven-headed octopus. Take the four legs that come from underneath the center and move the leg to their right — i.e., jumping it. Take the legs that were on the right and, again, jump each over the leg before, this time to the left. If you have extra length in your ropes, you can repeat these left-right jumps until you run out of rope. Tuck the corners or odd bumps under the dough with the sides of your hands to form a round.
Transfer the dough to a parchment-cover heavy baking sheet, or, if you’ll be using a bread stone, a baker’s peel. Beat egg until smooth, and brush over challah. Let challah rise for another hour, but 45 minutes into this rise, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Bake your loaf: Before baking, brush loaf one more time with egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake in middle of oven for 35 to 40 minutes. It should be beautifully bronzed; if yours starts getting too dark too quickly, cover it with foil for the remainder of the baking time. The very best way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer — the center of the loaf should be 195 degrees.
Cool loaf on a rack before serving. Or, well, good luck with that.
That looks like the most delicious challah in the world! I’ll definitely be baking some for Rosh Hashanah this weekend!
Delicious! Just made this and it will be a staple on our table!
SO excited to see your new book! I love challah… never thought to add figs and olive oil to it – will give it a try! Thanks!
If you feel like adding Florida to your list, feel free. I can offer you room and board — and my children can entertain your little guy while we drink coffee and share cake. :)
merry — Like all New Yorkers, I would be delighted to spend the winter months in Florida. :) The schedule could grow from here, so I’ll definitely keep everyone posted.
Yes, PLEASE!!!
I’ve never been more sad that my husband made us move away from home sweet home (Napa) than I am right now. I would be first in line at that stop! Good luck and congratulations!
delicious! I have a cup of figs in my fridge waiting to be used!
So happy that you’ll be coming to Portland. And VERY excited to get my paws on this book.
SO EXCITED! I am almost tempted to drive two hours to go to the Napa signing… and then still go to the SF one too. And that challah looks delicious, as always.
Your challah is gorgeous, Deb! Such a beautiful work of art – I love the circular braiding method, I’m absolutely going to try this one out! I’m thrilled that you’ll be in Portland – Can’t wait to hear you talk in person about food and experience, what a treat!
I will certainly need to make this soon — I have always thought challah is perfect by itself but this puts it over the top!
See you at Politics and Prose! So excited!
Congrats on the tour!!! Can you please add Atlanta? :)
Hi Deb! I loved this recipe when it first came out and have recently come back to it. But my last two attempts have totally failed. The dough is not becoming smooth and elastic in the first step and it all goes to sh*t from there. I tried first in a mixer and next by hand. Am I not mixing long enough??
Oops I think I posted as a reply…
What is the texture, if not smooth and elastic?
Thanks for responding! Such a big fan of you and the blog!! It feels dense and almost dry and crumbly. Almost like pie crust or cookie dough (not that extreme, it’s still bread dough — just to give you an idea). Weird! Add moisture?
Do you think it needed to rise longer, perhaps?
Did you figure out what was wrong with your dough? Having the same problem and it is not rising either. Do not remember this being a problem for me last time I made it.
No Irish tour dates!?!?!…can we tempt you with some Guinness?!?!?
Sara — I have no idea if there will be a UK or Europe tour, but, it wouldn’t be in this leg. It would fall under the jurisdiction of the book’s UK/Australian publishers, Square Peg. They are releasing The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook in February, 2013. I will keep information about it on the book’s main information page, so stay tuned.
Maria — Such a great question as they’re in season now. What you’re trying to get is a thick paste of figs. I am sure you can get that from fresh figs too, with some cooking down, adding sugar or flavorings as you wish.
Ohmygoodness! Holla for the Challa!! I bet this is remarkable in a savory bread pudding as well, though I suspect thatonce made as french toast the next morning there will be no going back! Congratulationson the book tour, I am so looking forward to reading it myself!!!:)
Deb! I am thrilled that you’re coming to Toronto. I hope to see you in November. Congrats on the big book tour… and this challah… oh my!
Any suggestions on how to use fresh figs instead of dried to make this?
Has anyone experimented with fresh figs? I did this last year with fig preserves and it started out slimey and moist but was absolutely incredible when it came out of the oven. Couldn’t stop eating it.
OMG I am so excited for your cookbook – I’ve already told my husband that it’s on my list for Hanukkah.
Also I WILL be at the event in Beverly Hills – traffic on a Friday from Orange County? I may need a good audio book during the drive and a mighty martini after, but I will SO be there!
Squee! You’re coming to Austin! Oh my goodness. I think I may need to try this, though I don’t know how I feel about figs…
A few things:
1) If you get to do a Round 2 on the book tour would you please-oh-please lobby your publisher for a St. Louis stop? I would be there with bells on, I promise!
2) If I am either a) lazy, or b) not experienced in the fresh-fig-selection department, could I swap fig preserves for the paste that your recipe includes? Perhaps I could pulse the preserves with the OJ, zest, salt, and pepper for a reasonable facsimile? Or would it be too sweet? Thoughts?
3) I LOVED the apple challah from last year and if you’ve never eaten it alongside beer cheese soup (I think I used the recipe from the Wm-Sonoma site) then you’re missing out.
Freaking out! I’m not just going to come and hang out and listen to you talk once, but twice. New York and Toronto. I’ll be like a groupie, except that I might bring you food. Do groupies do that?
Haunting is right. Happy to join any kitchen party serving this. I don’t care how small the kitchen is.
New Orleans is a lovely city that LOVES food. Wouldn’t you like to have an excuse to visit? I could bring beignets to the signing if that would help?
This looks delicious. I really do think you should come visit Raleigh, NC! I know I’d be there to see you!!
Not going to lie, your cookbook coming out is one of the things I’ve looked forward to the most this year (and I had a baby in June, so that should kinda show you how warped my priorities are). Now I am totally nerding out that you’ll be in Texas!!
Personally I’m hoping that you add a European leg to this tour ;)
Have Mercy….this is going on my to do list!
Is there an ingredient missing? When you list fig paste ingredients, water isn’t on the list, but in the instructions about making fig paste, you say combine figs, zest, water, juice….but how much water?
Lacey — Sorry, now fixed! It’s 1/2 cup of water with the figs. Fortunately, the error is *not* in the cookbook itself.
Did I mention the book is right here next to me? Two arrived back from the printer. It’s kind of crazy. :)
megj — Fig jam would be more sweet and thinner but if you don’t mind that, no reason not to use it instead.
So, I was seriously inspired this year to get a head start and have already made my Challah for Sunday night! But I might just have to try this one too…it will depend on how ambitious I feel…And if you are planning an Israel stop on your book tour, I would love to talk up all of my favorite food locations in this wonderful tiny country!
This looks great! In fact, I think I’ll make it tomorrow night! Would substituting fig jam for the fig puree be too sweet? I have a fig and orange jam languishing in my refrigerator and this seems like the perfect use for it.
I’ll be first in line at that williams sonoma signing and i’ll be trying out this challah bread this weekend. YUM! Gonna try to make the fig paste out of fresh figs also.
I LOVE challah bread. I think I’ll attempt it, but not quite sure that I won’t pretzel my fingers instead of a dough into that shape. LOL
Oh my, this challah looks gorgeous. My fig-loving husband would go crazy if I made this for him! I’m fortunately in the Chicago area, so I’ve put the date on the calendar already and am going to start arranging my schedule now!
Oh wow, this looks amazing! May just have to try it out. Also, no Denver stop? Wah! We inlanders love you, too :-)
Thank you so much for using grams & measuring cups… I never knew how much that would matter until I moved here to Barcelona. And why does it have to be a provincial holiday today… when i can’t go and buy any of these ingredients to start NOW…
I can’t wait to try this!
not sure about my own travel schedule this fall, but I will either see you in NYC, or at the coolidge corner signing in boston. YES! as for this challah, oh wow. I can’t wait to get started. I see someone else asked a similar question to the one I’m about to, but since you haven’t responded yet, I don’t feel horrible about reiterating. I have a jar of trader joe’s fig butter in my cabinet, looking for a use. is it sacrilege to use something like this? do you think it would be too runny and/or the wrong flavor?
You’re coming to Houston! Oh man! How exciting!! (Thankfully the weather is quite pleasant during December) And a new challah recipe just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Now I have the perfect gift for my hosts. Thank you, Deb!
This is so exciting! I’ll keep my eye on the tour list and hope it expands to Minneapolis. Or maybe I’ll plan a trip around one of the stops!
You should add on a Dallas stop to the Texas leg of your tour! We love cookbooks. :)
never mind! I see you answered while I was typing. thanks!
Thanks for updating the fig paste instructions!
I would love to get a signed copy of your book! Its the only reason that I didn’t pre-order it.
Your blog was one of the first ones that I started reading years ago and one of the reasons that I started my own blog.. which lead to my baking column in the Globe and Mail and so many other fun things. And through everything and all the wonderful blogs that I’ve found Smitten Kitchen still remains my very favorite.
Trying to see if I can get over to Vancouver to the cooking demo stop!
1) Oh my lord, I need to make this bread right now.
2) So glad you’re coming through Boston! Marking my calendar.
This challah looks amazing! I was already planning on making the apple and honey challah again this weekend, but I may have to make this as well! I know there are many varieties of fig jams out there, but is jam not necessarily the right consistency if I might not have time to make the paste?
Deb, I’m SO excited for you. Congrats and can’t wait!!!!
Oh, dear Lord God in Heaven, this looks DELIGHTFUL.
This will be happening in my kitchen ASAP.
Pretty, pretty, pretty, please (with a cherry on top) come to Ottawa on your book tour!!
There aren’t very many cookbooks I buy, because I am cheap and I always figure I can just check them out at the library and enjoy them for a while.
But yours will be one I buy.
And I will find a babysitter for my 4 kids, brave the LA traffic, and come see you in Beverly Hills and have you sign it, OK?
Because I love your blog, I love your recipes, I love your writing voice and the stories you tell about food.
I love the way you inspire me by your story of just plunging in and doing this thing you were kind of afraid to do.
Bravo!
Also, if you were to look at my blog, you;d see I have lots and lots of posts where I’ve used your recipes.
I owe you much more than buying a cookbook, but it’s a good place to start.
Can’t wait to see you in November!
Love from,
Greta
Sounds utterly fabulous. Can’t wait to try it!
Congrats on everything, Deb! You made a beautiful book that I can’t wait to have in my kitchen, and I am excited to see you in L.A.! Beautiful challah, too!
yay! bookshop santa cruz! :D
Could not be more excited for your NYC appearance! This challah looks delish, shanah tova!
Wow, what a beautiful loaf of bread. For some ridiculous reason, the only time I make chalah is for our local fair…where you have to enter the whole loaf. I really should make some I can actually eat. I wonder where I might find dried figs…or some worthy substitute.
And book signing has been put on the calender. Yeah, for being in the morning. I might actually be able to make it!
Hungry me cannot wait to try this out, but spatially challenged me is going to have to take some time to figure out the braiding part!
Whoa, figs and sea salt! Be still my heart! And OMG so excited for this book.
Eeeee!!!! Book tour! (Now I will go look at the recipe. Promise.)
What a tease! Not only are neither of the “Chicago” locations actually in Chicago, they are each 45 min to an hour away! I’m so bummed! I saw the 1pm time first, and had even thought maybe I could take a couple hours off of work to swing by if it was in Chicago proper. I hope you do come and visit us in actual Chicago sometime soon. It’s a great city. I guess I’ll have to stick with waiting anxiously for my pre-ordered copy to arrive in the mail!
Oh that looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it.
Looking forward to getting your book.
WHAT???? No Kansas City? Sniff sniff.
I am shocked, SHOCKED! and deeply saddened that Syracuse is not included on the book tour. I kid, I kid. Well, not about the saddened part. At least I pre-ordered the book so it’ll arrive on my doorstep soon! So incredibly happy for you, Deb. Many congratulations. You’ve made my (and I”m sure countless other) kitchens a better place. Here’s to a blog that creates a lot of happiness!
Beautiful challah!! Definitely something I’d love to try!
And I’m super excited for your book and so so sad that you’re not coming to STL! Argh! Why did we have to move away from Portland – home of all things I love and where all people visit?!!?
Congrats on the book and your upcoming tour! :)
I don’t know what I’m more excited about — this beautiful challah or the fact that you’re coming to Powell’s. Good thing I don’t have to choose.
I love the swirls in this bread and am so glad you chose figs for the filling. It’s fig season here now and I think I’ll hunt down a fresh fig paste recipe to use. I’ve made both of your other challah breads and they were well received by my family.
Santa Cruz or San Francisco..which to choose, which to choose! How lucky am I to even get a choice! Santa Cruz is 25 miles closer but a more treacherous drive over the hill at night from San Jose, so I’ll most likely brave the parking in SF! Yay..I’ll get to meet you in person…at last!
I really enjoyed reading this beautiful post. Congratulations on the 6th year of blogging …. and your book, which I can’t wait to get my hands on! Looking forward to meeting you on November 12!
This Challah looks divine! Have to try making it soon.
I am completely transfixed by the pictures of the challah being braided before our very eyes. The series of photos look like art. They are so beautiful!
savorysaltysweet — Thank you. I desperately wanted to make an animated gif of it because it looks so cool when you go through them quickly but the last time I made one, people freaking out about the distraction of a moving picture. Which I agree with. But still! :)
We have a fig tree (Adriatic) and make fig jam every year. One of the best things to do with fig jam is fig rolls, like cinnamon rolls but with fig jam instead. As long as you roll out the rectangle thin enough, the ratio of fig to bread is perfect. Top with a lemon glaze and it’s perfection. For serious. This recipe sounds really similar, and i will most certainly try this at some point.
Please, oh please, consider adding Atlanta to your tour! We love to cook (and your recipes and photos) down here too! I can’t wait to get a copy of the book. I’ve never tackled Challah before but I’m not going to be with family this year for Rosh Hashanah so I might just have time to give it a try!
Deb, this recipe looks awesome– and very exciting to hear about your tour. I’m going to try my best to make the L.A. visit!
Deb – mazel tov, shana tova, and thank you for yet another irresistible recipe. But why no Colorado stop on the tour? We here in the Rockies love us some smittenkitchen, too!
I am so excited for your cookbook that I might die. I have already marked both Washington dates down in my planner. Also, this bread looks amazing. The braid photos are beyond gorgeous. I don’t even think I’ve ever had challah, but I may need to make this.
This is an absolutely beautiful loaf (?) of bread! Congratulations on the book tour!
I just started following you recently and your recipes are foolproof. Big fan. Will be making my first Challah for the new year. Will see you Nov. 5 too! Where are you eating in Portland. Lots of great choices…
By November, I will be on my annual attempt to make the perfect cuccidatti. I plan on comparing your fig filling with the one I use for the cookies (which is delicious). Please expect me at one of the two Boston events with a cuccidatti version of the challah. It will be deliciousness!
So excited and congratulations, although dang, I know Minnesota gets cold, but no love for a Minneapolis stop?! We love you up here! We’re a foodie city! We’re so often overlooked :(
Can’t wait to see you in Seattle! This gorgeous challah is on my Rosh Hashana menu now – what a beautiful creation. L’shana tova!
hi Deb! this challah looks fantastic! just noticed a typo (or an extra word?) in this sentence: “Take the four legs that come from underneath the center and move the move the leg to their right — i.e., jumping it.”
also, you say the best way to check for doneness is an instant-read thermometer, but for those of us without thermometers, what do you recommend?
llb — Thanks, now fixed. Without a thermometer, the baking time should be accurate. Some people like to tap the bread underneath and listen for a hollow sound, but it can take a little practice to know exactly what you’re looking for. I think a long tester or skewer can be helpful. It should come out clean, of course, but also, you want to make sure there’s no doughy resistence in the middle. Were the tester to hit dough/an uncooked center, you’d probably feel that it was springy or tighter. A skewer going into a baked loaf of bread should go through fairly easily. The figs could throw this off if there’s an area where they are thicker, but between the hollow test and the skewer and the baking time, you should have a couple extra layers of insurance of doneness.
I’m so excited about the cookbook! I pre-ordered it from Amazon. Yay, you’re coming to Austin! I’ll be there!
I can’t wait to see you in Napa!
Deb. You have filled this challah with terrifically delicious things. Can’t wait to see you in SF!!
See you in Brookline, MA! So excited!
Cannot wait to meet you in SF! Looking forward to getting the book in my hands :-)
Very excited to see you in Austin! Challah looks fantastic, as always.
Yeah! So happy to see Portland on the tour list!
It has never occurred to me to make Challah in another flavor. This sounds like a delicious combination of sweet and salty. Yum!
Lovely and perfect timing. I just cooked down a bunch of figs and am thinking of adapting this to my zopf recipe – it may not be challah, but my swiss heritage won’t let me budge from making a zopf ;)
Oh my, I love how you braided this, it’s just perfect! The flavor combo sounds amazing as well
I think “Meanwhile, make FIX paste” should be “Meanwhile, make FIG paste” (although when I attempt to make this – and I will, this weekend – I think the word “FIX” will come up quite often) ;) Thank you for all the amazing recipes!
Alexis — Thanks, fixed.
I’m so happy you’re coming to Vancouver! Yay!
Your challah bread recipe has been my go-to recipe for challah for already quite some time. I follow it to the letter and it always comes out perfectly.
Having said that I can’t really wait to try this variation. It looks delicious!
I wish it wasn’t going to be 95 degrees out today because oh, do I want to make this! Don’t be surprised if I show up in all of your California stops. Because I live near LA and my sister in Santa Cruz has been wanting me to visit and if I’m already all the way up there I might as well hit Napa and San Fran.
This looks so delicious! Can’t wait to see you in DC!
Hi Deb, I’m curious–some recipes (including yours) use bread flour, which I like for the nice texture it gives. Do you know if bread flour is substitutable here? or should I quit rocking the boat and just stick to the all-purpose?
This looks amazing and I must try it!
And I’m so excited that you are coming to Portland! I definitely plan to be there!
This looks a-mazing. So, think your tour could expand to Jerusalem :)? Because you totally have a fan club here.
How about fresh figs rather than dried?
You’re coming to Vancouver – wahoo!!! Can’t wait. :)
I am actually free for the night you will be in Philly! Since the is the blog I recommend to all my friends when they want recipe ideas from me I hope I can get a group of them to come too!
This looks delicious Deb! And, I can hardly wait to see you in NY as well as SF. I think you meant to say “fig paste” instead of “fix paste.” I, too, use your best challah recipe, and I’ve also made the apple challah bread. Both are foolproof and delicious!
I’m so thrilled you’re coming to Portland. I’ve been a loyal reader for many years, have the book pre-ordered and am writing this on my calendar as we speak!
I have a bunch of dried apricots I’ve been trying to use up- any thoughts on this substitution/what other flavors would work with them?
This looks amazingly delicious! Wow. Beautiful.
Apricots are great with almonds.
Deb –
I am SUPER excited you’re coming to DC!! And especially to see you working with the independent Politics and Prose instead of [insert name of chain here]. Can’t wait to meet you in person. I feel like we know each other already since we cook “together” so often… You didn’t know we could both fit into one of the tiniest kitchens in the world did you? Mazel tov!!
Wow, I looked at your Tour schedule – that’s a lot of traveling you’ll be doing in the next couple of months. Are you coming to Arizona by any chance? We too, like Florida, have a really welcoming weather coming up. Your bread looks delicious. I’ve been making my own bread in the last 2 months, but I haven’t ventured out of bread machine yet.
Deb, this looks magical, like I want to eat it everyday for the rest of my life magical. But I’ve never made bread before, which, truthfully, kinda scares me. But, maybe, just maybe, I’ll give it a shot. On a day off. When I can pour over every one of your details. CAN.NOT.WAIT.TO.SEE.YOU.IN.AUSTIN!!!!
Please oh please come to Atlanta!! It would be so sad not to be able to see you!
yeah for seattle! you’re welcome in my kitchen anytime.
Please, please, PRETTY PLEASE come to Madison, Ct! It’s home to one of the best independent bookstores around (R.J. Julia Booksellers) and I know you’ll have a big turnout – why, they might have to open up the high school auditorium to fit your fans. I’m not to lazy to go to Darien,CT, it’s just that it’s on my wedding anniversary!
oops–should have asked this before: is it kind for the book host(s) in your tour to buy your book from them or can i just pre-order and bring it? thoughts?
Requests for additional cities — Feel free to keep them coming. I am quite certain that my book tour planners extraordinaire (my publisher) are reading along. :)
coleen — I have a note on the book tour page about this, but it’s at the bottom so I’ll copy it here: “* Occasionally, stores will require an in-store purchase for you to have your book signed. I will do my best to denote any of the stores where I know these policies exist with an asterisk. If you have any further questions, it will be best to contact the stores directly as they will be the most familiar with their policies.” I hope that makes it as easy as possible.
Essentially, I know many of you preordered the book (thank you!) and will try my very best to give you a heads-up if a signing will be at a store that requires an in-store purchase to have you book signed. Definitely check back to the page as the event gets closer, and it never hurts to call the store directly to find out. Thanks!
Oh! Wish of wishes that you would come to North Carolina! (Or south! Or Virginia! Or DC!) The challah bread looks divine (of course) and my head is reeling with the prospect of have your book in my hands oh so soon!
Oh my goodness, Deb! I am SO excited that you are coming to Santa Cruz!! I rubbed my eyes and thought I read the city wrong :) I will be there and can’t wait to meet you.
Another Vancouverite happy you’re coming here, and on my birthday too!!!!!
Your challah looks beautiful – can’t wait to try it, although the braiding might do me in.
This looks brilliant! I think I’m going to attempt it this weekend.
This might sound like an odd question, but what are the dimensions of this bread? I’m wondering if it’d fit in my oven, on my baking stone (which is 9″ square).
I’ve always wondered about Challah braiding. I’m so glad you put a picture of it up. This as usual, sounds like a taste bud stunner!
Alas, you don’t have Arizona on your list. No worries, I’ll hold out until your next book. Because I think you have enough great ideas that they just can not be contained in just this site and only one book. That, and I would LOVE to have you and your family for coffee in my small kitchen!! Good luck on the tour, I’m sure you are going to meet wonderful fans at every stop you make.
I have never commented on the site before but I feel compelled to let you know how excited I am to spend Veterans Day with you. WILD DOGS could not keep me away! (Although, that is probably not true, if anything could distract me… it would be dogs ;)
Sorry we won’t see you in the South :-) Best of luck on your tour!
Seconding Gale’s comment: you have devoted followers in St. Louis! I would make the trip up to Chicago if you were there on the weekend! It’s a short drive and an even shorter flight from CHI to STL, and oh man we would love to have you. Just throwin it out there :)
Would you pretty pretty please come to Denver? (Or, lobby your publisher to come to Denver?) We have this wonderful indie book store called Tattered Cover! And mountains! Bit short on oxygen, but who needs that when we have great food?
Ooops, and should have thrown this into the comment above, but last fall’s Apple Honey Challah was incredible, excited to try this version!
get ready for some totally major smitten kitchen fangirls to geek out on you in toronto!
Congrats on 6 years! Hooray for the book tour!
Cool. If we can wrangle a babysitter, we are so going to Brookline.
Deb – so glad to hear details of the tour, and that you’re coming [sort of] close to me. Any chance you can squeeze Victoria, BC in? If you flew from Portland to Victoria (3 hrs by plane), you could do an event in the morning then ferry in the afternoon to Vancouver for the evening event there.
And then I won’t have to drag my two kids on the ferry to go to Vancouver and figure out babysitting in a different city! 8)
We have LOTS of amazing restaurants and foodie stores here….And it’s pretty. Much nicer than Vancouver. I hope to see you in November though.
Woohoo! I will see you in Seattle!! I am so excited! Congrats on the book coming out!
I love using challah bread for french toast! I love figs and I’ve never thought about adding into the dough. Great idea! Thanks for showing the step by step pictures of braiding the bread. I’ve made challah bread before and it tasted great, but didn’t look as pretty as this, but it will now. Lol.
Wowo i am so going to make this
Me again: last night I cooked the Barley Risotto with Beans and Greens, and the night before it was the zucchini/ham/basil/ricotta fritters. And your favourite brownies were made on the first day of school. It’s been a smitten couple of weeks!
Thanks for all the great recipes. Happy anniversary.
Oh you’re coming to Vancouver! I was not expecting that, but I’m so excited! :) See you in November!
Gorgeous challah! I love the fig addition – inspired!
Challah is my favorite, and that looks mouth watering!! Good luck on your book tour!!
You are headed to 2 Bay Area spots… But I just moved to Africa… Any chance you will headed to Angola anytime soon?!?! Good thing I can get books sent here, I have been dying to own your book since you first announced it was coming… So excited!
Aw, and what a wonderful journey it has been!!! This Princess has been for sure listening keenly!!! I can’t wait for your book tour!!! Happy blogiversary!
May all your culinary and literary adventures be filled with yumminess and happiness,
The Teen Princess of Buttermilk Springs
Coarse sea salt: any ideas for other uses for it? My husband mistakenly bought it from the bulk foods section of our local co-op (my fault, I asked for sea salt when I should have said “Real Salt,” aka salt with natural minerals and sans anti-caking agents, iodine, etc.). Anyway, I have about a cup or more of this very coarse sea salt. I think it’s intended to be used in a salt grinder, which I find rather ridiculous–like there’s any benefit in grinding your salt fresh as if it was pepper (there’s not, is there?), and yet, I can’t bring myself just to throw it out, as it’s not particularly cheap. Any suggestions?
samarahuel — I love using coarse salt for roasted vegetables and if you’re seasoning meat.
Bwah!!! Houston!! See you in December!
I am still pulling for Baton Rouge or New Orleans! I kind of hate Austin because EVERYONE goes to Austin and we never get anything :-(
Except hurricanes. Does guilt work? Because those of us distraught by Isaac’s devastation would certainly enjoy a tasty distraction!
No Dallas?!?! You’re huge here! Please, pretty please, reconsider. The Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area is home to more than 6 million people(!) and is the largest metro area in the South. With sugar on top?
Oh no! Your stops in the chicago suburbs stops don’t seem feasible via public transit from the city. I may have to rent a car. Us Chicago folks should get a car pool started! In other news, I have three new roommates who are also Jewish, so shabbat dinners finally seem practical. Thanks for the challah recipe, it will hopefully be put to good use!
A stop in Minneapolis/St. Paul, please? I’m so excited that you get to meet, cook with, and talk to many of your readers! I would love to be one of them!
Minneappolis……pretty please :)
Well, not, uh, “huge,” but insanely popular!
Is there anything those of us in the UK can do to convince Square Peg to have you do a book tour here? :)
So happy to see you’re coming to DC! I’ll try to make it to the National Press Club event (Politics and Prose is just way too far out there!).
I have to add to those above who have requested a stop here in Minneapolis/St. Paul! Minnesota really is nice!
attn: toronto SK fans. i was just told by the cookbook store that there are currently only 40 spots available and they are going fast! $40, and that includes the cost of the book. (although she implied they might have to move to a bigger venue).
Yeah!! See you in December! Really excited!!
thank you for yet another recipe to use up my never ending supply of figs! I can’t wait to make this!
I am hoping to make one of the book signings! Also, I love those pictures of you braiding the bread. Gorgeous.
So looking forward to seeing you in Portland!!
This looks amazing! Every fall, I say “I’m going to bake bread this fall/winter”. And it doesn’t happen. *This* will happen though. And please, please, please come to England!
Yey! You’re coming to philly!! Awesome, I can’t wait yo see you :D Should I bake and bring you something?
We have a similar recipe here in Romania, and we call it colaci. It’s usually consumed during winter holidays and also, it’s traditionally served at funeral ceremonies, but their shape is a little different then: they are either round or they are cross shaped.
I knew it was a long shot, but no listing for Albuquerque up there… I would have loved to thank you in person for all of the help you and your site are giving me on my wedding menu! This bread looks outstanding – I might use the method and tweak it a bit with some dried apricots and cherries instead of figs.
You’re coming to Portland!! I literally sqealed when I read that. And you’re going to Powell’s, only the coolest book store in Portland. It’s a city of books and an absolute mecca if you are a reader, the cooking section is phenomenal.
I’ve been a long time lurker and have been reading you since the smitten, I cannot wait to meet you! Please let me know if you would like some recommendations on what to eat or do here. Portland is pretty much amazing, I hope you’ll love it!
I’m adding myself to the list of people who would love for you to visit Atlanta! Nashville would work, too. I’m pretty much right between the two cities. Can’t wait for my preordered copy of your book to arrive. A birthday gift to myself!
I am SO excited you are coming to Toronto. I just booked my ticket. The folks at the Cookbook Store are truly lovely and I hope you enjoy your time here – however brief.
I NEVER come to book signings, but for you, I might just drag my infant son through Los Angeles traffic. Can I buy you a cup of coffee after? Or you know, some bourbon?
What a beautiful idea for a Rosh Hashana challah! I am looking forward to seeing this on my table! But Deb, I’m distraught that you’ll be in Toronto on a day I’m unavailable – we don’t go out on shabbat. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet you and get a signed copy of your next book. In honor of your visit to my city, I will likely make a meal almost entirely inspired by your recipes (as per usual). Congratulations and shana tova to you, your family, and all your readers who celebrate!
This might be my first gushy comment on your site. I’m thrilled that you’re coming to Austin. I imagine that your publicist won’t allow it, but if you find yourself with an afternoon free, you’re welcome to come over here, let Jacob play with my 3-year old, and help yourself the freshly baked cookies that I’ll have out for you. Looking forward to the tour and the cookbook!
I just wanted to say, I love it when I completely forget about your blog. Because when I remember about Smitten Kitchen, I get to look at all the beautiful posts that I’m behind on and I don’t have to wait for another post. Beautiful blog! Such a wonderful thing to see a woman cooking out of the joy she has for her family.
-Meredith
OH MAN!!! :( This is one of those VERY rare times when I really hate that I live in Spain. Any chance of a European tour, Deb??? We have an extra room – free lodging! And we promise to take you out for all the wine and cheese you can handle!!!
I’m so glad to see Toronto on the list of book tour stops! And excited enough that I’ve already reserved a space. Just in case … I know how many of my friends are Smitten Kitchen fans too. :)
Wow! That combo – figs, sea salt, olive oil – makes me want to dance…or something. And that knot? My mind is still trying to figure that out. :D
Judging from this recipe alone, that book of yours must be fabulous!
Will there be a limit on the number of people that will be allowed? I live about three hours away from both of your Chicago stops but I would be mighty disappointed to get up there and then not even be able to see you. Looking forward to it though, it’s definitely on my calendar!!
You are coming to Toronto… AWESOME, I’ll be there! :-)
Wow, your ropes for braiding are flawless. I actually made a batch of your apple and honey challah yesterday (omg it tastes amazing) as well as a batch of your raisin challah and my round braids were PITIFUL. I think I was so worried about overflouring that I underfloured and they were way, way too sticky. Some of the loaves look aaalmost right but most of them look more…rustic, shall we say. My measurements were probably not the best because I tripled the apple and honey recipe and doubled the raisin recipe… (about 10 lbs. of flour in all!) but I think in general my fear of overflouring has been holding me back. Just the idea that you were braiding these on what looks to be a clean counter and they weren’t sticking like mad means I am definitely doing something wrong.
You’re coming to Vancouver, I can’t wait! I’m in baking school right now, hopefully I can bring you something I made. Also, I have to say that your challah recipe is totally better than the one we use at school.
Oh, I am a long-time-reader, never-commenter who is suddenly UNBELIEVABLY excited to meet you. I already put it on my google calendar, in bright red, many months in advance, with no reservations about driving to Wheeling from my tiny apartment in Bucktown, Chicago. I just know it’s going to be so much fun!
I will pray to the cooking Gods, cherubim and seraphim that a book tour of New Zealand is announced. Hint: February is the hottest (therefore best) month.
Wow YAY I’m so excited for your book AND your tour, but man its gonna be hard to go those three months without new posts . . .
This is the prettiest challah and I am too intimidated to make it! Well, you give me hope. My husband would kiss my shiksa feet if I could pull this off for him :)
Congrats on your book tour!
This looks glorious and here in Mexico the figs are just getting delicious! Since we’re allowed to suggest cities, can I suggest Mexico City?? Cos I just read that you’re arriving in vancouver TWO DAYS after I leave (there for a wedding) and I’m heartbroken I’m missing you!! You’ll have to give my friend Noa a hug (which I’ll expect her to pass on to me) when she comes to your cooking event. Have an incredible tour!
If you ever come to Salt Lake City……….. (My friends threw me a surprise “smitten kitchen” birthday dinner)
November 5th just went on my calendar. I live a couple of hours from Portland, but you are totally worth the drive! Can’t wait to meet you and get my hands on that cookbook!
I’m so excited that you’re coming to HOUSTON!!!!! I might high five/hug you when I meet you (is that allowed?!)
My boyfriend and I are drooling over this challah.
Good job, gal!
Sorry to do this via comment, but didn’t see a way to email you! I’m thrilled you’re coming to Houston, and am great friends with the owners over at Blue Willow Book Store (actually did a reading there for my own book!). If there’s anything I can do to help you with that stop when you come to our fair town, please feel free to email me. I’d love to help.
Congratulations on everything!
K.
BOOK TOUR/COOKING DEMO!! I nearly jumped out my cubicle with glee! But Beverly Hills is on a Friday at 1pm? Guess I’ll sit back down in my cubicle. Tell me you’re coming back….on a weekend? after work hours?
Another request for a Minneapolis/St. Paul stop! It really is great here.
Figs, yes! Maybe I will eat some as I am cloistered with my book proposal. Come to the northwest, we will go vineyard to table.
Seriously Houston?????? North Texas, as in Frisco! Guess I will have to visit my sister Thanksgiving in Mass. It’s suppose to cool off this weekend, so yes, I will be making bread. Would have loved to see a gif of the braiding.
Well, excited about the book! Sad that publishers seem to still believe that people in the South don’t read. I see the tour omits the entire south.
But congrats on the book! Your blog is wonderful.
Hi Nicole — I also am bummed that I can’t get everywhere on this tour, or on the initial leg of it. But I wouldn’t say that it’s because of any negative sentiment towards the South. The preliminary list of U.S. cities was in fact chosen by traffic reports — unsure of where to start, we tried to focus cities with the biggest site readership. It’s quite possible that more will be added, however, so stay tuned. I will of course announce any changes as they occur. And yes, I would love Atlanta/Raleigh/Charlotte to be among the additions. Oh and Miami. And Paris. And Sydney.. Okay, now I’m just pipe-dreaming…
Karen — Thank you!
Caitlin — I am hoping/trying to get through my fall cooking to-do list before I go (made much easier by the appearance of SQUASH at the market today! hello, fall!), so there’s not a lot of lag. There were so many lost weeks when I was writing the book, I’d feel terrible if there were more while I was out promoting it.
Sequoia — I don’t think so, or none that I know of (I think the ones concerned about controlling the size of the event require tickets; all are noted) but it can’t hurt to check in with the venue before the event. I’ll share any information I’m privy to on the Book Tour page, of course.
Kate — OMGBOTH. :) But, I’m actually flying to SF right after the event. Book tours, I am quickly learning, do not have leisure time built in.
First, congratulations on your cookbook and your book tour. I too would write a cookbook just so I could go on tour and meet like-minded individuals!
Second, this bread really does look like a dream. At my little farmers’ market bread company we’ve been making a fig, walnut and anise bread. And those figs, unless chopped up really fine, are always a nuisance in terms of gluten development and their distribution within the bread. How brilliant to add them to a challah in this way, though I think I might opt for butter over oil as I feel the figs would thrive on it! We don’t make challah or any other sweet breads (only rustic sourdoughs, really), but I am tempted to create a richer sourdough version! We’ll see what happens!
hurray! 1) this bread looks AMazing and 2) so so so excited you’ll be coming to DC on your book tour! woohoo!
I don’t suppose that you can add an extra date in SF, or come across the Bay and do a signing in Berkeley as well? I think I’m just going to miss you in SF–I don’t think I’ll have time to clear customs, even if my flight comes into SFO on time. so close! :(
EEEEEEEEP! you’re coming to Vancouver!!!!!
Another vote to add the Dallas area to your tour of Texas! Also, I can’t wait to try and braid some bread.
Please, Please, Please… come to Phoenix, AZ!
YAY! See you in DC!!! So glad I recently moved to a big city :)
And this challah looks absolutely great… twisted bread of any sort is a weakness of mine.
see you in chicago! looking forward to it and waiting on pins and needles for your book!!
hey! for us fresh-figgers, about how many whole figs do you estimate would give us the required 1 cup? i’ve been eyeing some beautiful local figs at the store but have never used them before! suggestions?
As a fan of the site since learning of our mutual affection for Ina Garten’s pecan squares, I can’t wait to meet you in my neighborhood at Omnivore Books! The fact that it’s scheduled on my birthday(!) liberates my fiancé from having to devise other celebratory activities. Lucky for both of us!
Please come upstate, Deb!! Albany or Saratoga would be amazing!!! We would love you for it!! Well, we love you already!!
If you add a stop somewhere in Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland would be great), I’d love to come and meet you! If not, I’ll have to catch the TV broadcast, I suppose. :)
wow, what a tour. you are certainly getting around.
this recipe looks good. seeing you roll the filling into the dough gave me the idea to to a sweet version with cinnamon sugar rolled into it. My son would go wild for it, he loves cinnamon sugar and will try to put it on as much as i will let him (sadly for him it is not much!).
looking forward to catching you on one of your tour stops, either philadelphia or nyc.
Chiming in for Atlanta! Plleeeeeeaasseeee? :)
AHHHH! Happy Birthday to me- you’ll be in my city on my birthday. Yay!
Oh man, I was all set to make apple cinnamon challah for Rosh Hashanah but now this looks so delicious, I might have to make it instead (or both!). Ahh, my favorite kind of dilemma :)
I do have a challah baking question, though: Since Rosh Hashanah falls so close to Shabbat this year, I was thinking about making an extra big batch of dough on Friday, baking half of it into regular loaves for Friday night, and then gussying up the second half to make something more festive on Sunday. Could I leave the dough in the fridge for a couple of days and then bake it fresh on Sunday? I imagine refrigeration would slow down the rising process, but I’ve never tried to slow it down for that long… would this have a negative effect on the bread? I know I could prep the dough and freeze it ready-to-bake, but I’ve had mixed results with that. I’ve actually had better results baking the loaves and then freezing and reheating them, it’s not quite the same as freshly baked bread.
Thanks so much and so excited for the book!
I have to admit I’m kinda bummed that the Toronto event will be a ticketted event. It may be that the ticket price (which includes the book) is not a lot more than The Cookbook Store is selling the book for (have no idea since I can’t find your book on their site yet,) but I’ve already preordered the book for a specific price from Indigo, and even if I cancel it, and get a ticket and book from them, it’s looking like a lot more.
Why-o, why-o why-o, aren’t you coming to Ohio? Cleveland, please!
yay, yay!
Can’t wait to read the book and am so psyched for the the NYC events.
I’ll see you in Seattle, Deb!
Can I ask you to suggest to my husband that making homemade goldfish crackers is not a step into madness?
YOUR COMING TO HOUSTON!!! I will gladly put off studying for finals (last round of nursing school finals before that no-big-deal-do-not-panic-test otherwise known as the NCLEX) to come and see you!!
I am so happy to see that you’re actually coming to Toronto! I’m going I book the day off work to make sure I don’t miss you. I can’t wait for the cookbook to arrive in the mail!
Yeah! We’ll see you in Wellesley, MA!
So…I am supposing Baltimore is just too close to DC to get its own stop? That’s okay…always happy to hit the District for a great night of book signing/dinner out! If you need a place to stay there, my daughter and her three buddies could put you up. They graduated in June from…GW! That will take you back, no? I can’t wait to get your cookbook – it’s my go-to Christmas gift for the cooks in my life. (PS I’m a loyal reader but not a commenter, although you did provide me with a kick-ass menu for our Gourmet Group a few years ago…at that time you suggested old JCrew shirts covered w/ baby gak if we were going to dress in SK theme outfits!)
Cathy — I remember that! Please tell me you didn’t… :)
Lyra — I spent the afternoon making them too and I’m sorry, but it is. It is delicious, unequivocally superior-to-the-packaged-stuff delicious, but it’s madness, or so I tell myself every time I make them. I never learn. I do think that your husband, like mine was, will be convinced once he tries them.
This sounds so lovely!! Such a unique way to make challah!
Dang! No love for Salt Lake City, Utah on the tour! Well, we love you anyway!
This challah sounds perfect. Fig, bread, and good salt. Can’t wait for the mailman to drop off my book, and oh how I wish you were stopping in Florida during your tour!
I am nowhere near a tour stop, but that will not diminish my enthusiasm for your book! YAY you!!
What would you say the shelf-life is on this? I’m thinking of making on Friday, and I’m not sure if it will still be good to serve by Tuesday evening. Any storage tips, either for the raw dough or the baked challah, would be appreciated!
Laura — I would freeze it until Tuesday, after it has cooled.
Deb — I have only left doughs in the fridge for a day, two tops. I’m only comfortable recommending a single day on this one, however, because it is all I tested. You’ll probably be okay to gussy it up on Sunday. This challah has extra moisture and richness from the figs, so it holds up especially well in the freezer once baked. Trust me, I had a freezer full of test rounds at one point.
kelly — Saratoga in November? You would not have to ask me twice!
This looks ah-mazing! So excited to try this over the weekend for Rosh Hashana :) I’m a little intimidated by the twisting technique. Think this will work ok as just a braid?
I agree with the previous Chicagoans who are disappointed that your stops aren’t actually in the city or even close. It would take me over two hours to get there via train… but it might be worth it. Maybe I’ll hook up with those looking to carpool!
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I HATE living in Australia! I’d give anything to go to one your book signings, Deb! How about just a super quick stop over in Aus? Please?
Ack! I got all excited when I saw you had a Vancouver date (TWO!) but it coincides with my meet-up with the husband in Chicago. Boo! Nonetheless, I am so excited for the book to come out. I have been reading your site for nearly as long as it has been around (nearly 6 years – I can remember it because it matches up to when we moved to Ireland and I became a temporary housewife…lots of creative dinners required..), and the husband and I always turn to your site when we are in need of a solid recipe. In fact, I just have to tell my husband it is a Smitten Kitchen recipe and he will try anything I throw at him…
Can’t wait to see you in SF on the book tour!
You have to come to Dallas! Don’t make me go to Houston! I hate Houston! I guess I could go to Austin. Just come to Dallas!
To people asking about freezing the challah, I have successfully (with other challah recipes) frozen both the dough and the baked loaf. If you freeze the dough, just let it sit on the counter at room temperature to fully defrost it (this may take as much as 4 or so hours) before you apply the eggwash and bake it. However, freezing the baked loaf works best for me, and I’ve frozen challah for weeks before. Just pop the frozen loaf in the oven on about 300 degrees for 30 minutes or so. It’s not quite as divine as fresh-baked (I’m a challah snob), but no one will notice the difference.
I’m really excited for you! Now, the Southeast is distinctly inbetween D.C. and Texas. There’s a hole there…Atlanta? perhaps Asheville? Athens? even Nashville? …I’m just sayin’. (and I’m kidding too, but I am bummed I won’t get to see you:( )
SO.SO.SO.EXCITED that you are coming to DC! See you at Politics & Prose (such a great bookstore – great choice!)!
That last picture might just be the inspiration I need to give challah a try. The twisting has always put me off, but your recipes never disappoint, so off to get myself some figs!
And as for your book tour, I’m sad that you won’t be north of Boston – the Montreal and Burlington, VT stops would be fun… come on, you know you want to. :) And for those of us not lucky enough to see you in person, is there a way to get a signed copy of your book? Other than all of us mailing them to you at home, of course!
This looks amazing. Does the fig filling really come through in the flavor? What do you think about doubling (or tripling!) the filling, and making this into a fig-orange babka?
Oh, you’re going to love Bookshop Santa Cruz! A tip from other book-tour writers I’ve heard from: write down what city you are in tonight and keep the note on your bedside table; it’ll help in the morning. Wish I could get to Santa Cruz.
yay fig challah! (yay leftover fig challah french toast!) YAY DEB COMING TO DC!!! monday night, i’ll be there :)
Tragic! Tragic! Omitting Portland, Maine and a chance to lobster and blueberry up while on tour, plus eat a perfectly salty lunch at Duckfat. Sigh…
Please bring Jacob to Boston with you! I have been reading your blog since we were both pregnant, and my almost 3 year old and I need a playdate :)
Deb, I just had a genius thought. I will offer a bribe if you come to Dallas. I will bring you food to your signing. Something baked and yummy to welcome you to Big D. :)
P.S. If I convinced you to fit Maine in with my last melodramatic post, you might think about this gem of a cookbook bookstore: http://www.rabelaisbooks.com/. :) Or this one downtown: http://www.longfellowbooks.com/. I’m just sayin’. Your agent might want to check them out. :)
This just made my day! Both the Challah (stunning) and the great news that you’re coming to Omnivore, my most favorite bookstore. Ever. I can’t wait to meet you and get my mitts on that gorgeous book! Happy 6th birthday Smitten Kitchen. I raise a glass to you and celebrate the day I stumbled upon your blog and within hours was making Tomato and Corn Pie. You’ve made me fearless in the kitchen. Cheers! See you in San Francisco.
Super excited that you are making a stop in CT. A saw all those big cities and I was afraid you were going to be driving straight through from Boston back to the city. See you in November!
Yay! You are in Philly for my birthday! (Ok, not exactly my birthday but close enough.) We have an awesome group of bloggers here if you aren’t just blitzing in and out…email me if you have time/interest in seeing who can meet at one of our favorite spots. Can’t wait to welcome you here! (and don’t judge the group by my blog! mine is more a hobby/record of what my kids actually eat, but others write stuff for real, I promise.)
not one, but TWO days in vancouver! fantastic. will definitely come say hello. you should plan a trip to granville island if you have down time in the city.
Nooo….go rogue and stop by Salt Lake City :)
Awww! No Florida? Jacob would love Disney! Seriously, why aren’t there any stops in the South at all? We’re the most hardcore cooks in the country!
I’m SO excited you’re coming to Portland!! I’ve never gone to a book signing, but I’m SO coming to yours..I’m even going to put it on my calendar :). Your’s is the only cooking blog I read religiously, and your cookbook will be the first I’ve ever bought for myself (I’ve inherited all my others from Gramma). I rely on several of your recipes…I actually used your quick fudge buttercream for a cake instead of the frosting recipe that went with the cake recipe I was using.
Question about the book tour, I notice in some cities you’re doing a cooking demo, and in other’s it says special presentation..what’s the difference?
I love this site, and I can’t wait for your book. I thought I would have to drive up to San Francisco but you’re coming to my hometown! Now I get to support my lovely Bookshop Santa Cruz AND see Deb Perelman, all in one day. I just hope I can finagle a parent into buying me other cookbooks while we’re in there…
I need to properly thank you. (Which means, of course, that this comment isn’t it!) I needed to teach a lesson on forgiveness, and wanted to highlight some beautiful traditions from Jewish culture, and somehow ended up on your blog reading your original recipe for plain challah bread. (That was the beginning of my still-current-even-after-two-years love affair with your blog.) And I HAD to make it! Unfortunately, I think the youth remembered the bread and strawberry butter more than my lesson, but that recipe has singlehandedly made me an (UNDESERVED) legend. I get asked to contribute it for auctions, and so far it hasn’t sold for under $20 a loaf (one time, seriously, it sold for $32!!). I also get asked to teach how to make the bread on a regular basis, and tomorrow I will be teaching three little 8 and 9 year old girls how to make THE BREAD OF ALL BREADS. I stick faithfully to the recipe with only one addition, 1/2 tsp. of liquid soy lecithin (I buy it in the vitamin supplement section of my local health food store, and it makes additional bread leavening agents completely unnecessary). I think this bread would be fantastic without that, though, since I mainly add that to aid shelf life and two loaves of this bread have an average life of 4.75 minutes in a room of five girls (2.3 minutes in a room of five boys). I enjoy passing on a little bit of Jewish history while I teach the bread, and have to say that the new method of braiding–compared to the six strand braid–is soooooo much easier!! Now I don’t get lost in my narrative and screw up the braid! I wish wish wish I could come see you and get my copy of your cookbook that I am ordering signed. Thank you for your amazing palate and your tasty contributions to my kitchen!
Ohhh im so excited. I love live demos!!! I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN NY. Btw I was wondering, do we order the book at williams n sonoma in order to go to the event or do we buy it at the store?
Come to New Zealand! I’m pretty sure there are lots of people here who’d love to meet you. Though it may be overwhelming for him, you should bring little Jacob too! I’d happily put you up (I’m pretty sure my boyfriend would be stoked for us to accommodate someone who is to thank for so many of our delicious meals). Also, we have great coffee here (is that a reason to travel to another country? I think yes).
Imagine my surprise at seeing Darien listed! To say i will be there with bells on is an understatement. I haven’t posted anything before, but have been avidly reading and cooking and admiring Jacob and your photos and sense of humor for a couple of years now. Cannot wait to hear your local family heckle you, as well as to have such a good excuse for a “night out.” Says a lot about the social life out here in the ‘burbs doesn’t it? Thank you for all the deliciousness you have provided to so many of our families.
Wow. This looks amazing. I’ll have to try it out for Rosh Hashannah.
Any chance you’ll be coming to Denver?! I am a HUGE fan and would love to meet you :)
I am so excited that you are coming to Portland! Your book is my go-to gift this fall/winter. Can’t wait to meet you and send you off with something from Portland. Hmm…coffee, whiskey, brandy, donuts, salami, chocolate…lots to choose from in our food-centric town!
Other readers from Portland – let’s put our head’s together to make Deb well received!
I’ll see you at Politics and Prose in November!
Also, do you think this dough can be made in a Cuisinart food processor that has a dough setting and blade? I haven’t made the leap to a stand mixer yet but I don’t if I am up to 10 minutes hand kneading either.
OMG how cool is the “From The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook” part??
Awesome!
Although I will not be able to come to the book tour, I will be there in my heart :)
And the challah! Just in time for Rosh Hashana! It looks de-lish.
OMG, Deb this looks super delicious! I’ve never made challah before, since here in Italy it’s not very popular yet, but I’d love to try and make it soon and this variation looks perfect for Autumn thanks to the figs!
And although I won’t be able to come to the book tour I want you to know that I am really happy for you and I would have loved to be able to participate!
xo, Elisa
The fig in the challah is SO PERFECT!! And you figured out the best way to infuse it into the bread without the lumps. Amazing execution, there. :) And congrats on the book tour; I for sure will be checking out if you’re ever in my neck of the woods!
OMG if you come to Australia that would be sooo awesome!! Congratulations on the book! The recipe looks yummy. I was wondering if it can be made with gluten free flour?
awesome…xoxoxoxoxo
HIP HIP AND HOORAY!!! i am soooooo excited to get to your L.A. book signing.
can’t wait to meet you! really can’t wait to finally get your book. I’ve been a devoted
long time follower and tried so many of your fantastic, yummie recipes.
p.s. almost forgot… let your mother know i love her noodle kugle recipe!!!
I’m not especially fond of figs so I wondered what I could use to substitute for this fruit. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
So, I know it will sound childish, like in “pipe-dreaming-childish”, and I wouldn’t dare say it, even if I’ve already thought about it, but you said it first on comment #188, so, would you please come to Paris?? I mean, Paris does deserve a book tour stop, what with all the inspiration and everything, no? Plus, I don’t know about Parisians, but this Greek gal living in Paris would love to have you!
On a more serious note, I’ve already said this, but I’m so excited for you, congratulations on the book and everything, and you know this “what comes next” which “is the last place” etc? Enjoy every last bit of it, ’cause you deserve it!
And on an even more serious note, pretty pretty please??? :p
Eliza
Oh the beauty of the design! And thank you so for the grams and milliliters :) My french scale will appreciate it greatly as will my calculator :) Have a great book tour!
Excellent news! I’ve already pre-ordered my book and now I’ve sent my aunt the details of the book tour as she is literally around the corner from the Seattle stop (I wish I’d gone in to that shop when I was home last, it looked amazing).
Hey Deb! I have seen the advance copy of your cookbook and I loved it, as I knew I would! I even cooked a few things out of and wrote a blog on it for Blue Willow BOokshop in Houston. I am so excited for you, as I have been a fan of your blog for a long time. Anyway, I used to work at Blue Willow before I became the luckiest girl in the world and moved to Paris, which is awesome except that I am going to miss your visit to the bookstore, which is totally not awesome. I hope you love it- it’s such a special place. Good luck with the tour! I know you will rock it.
LONDON. Please come to london.
Your Challah looks amazing! I LOVE your blog….I’m bummed the book tour isn’t coming to my city….but I still can’t wait to get the book! I’ll totally be there in spirit
This looks amazing. I will have to try it for Rosh Hashanah. I am so excited you are coming to Boston! I tried to sign up for the Book Signing and Cooking Demo in Wellesley but the Miele sign up email site does not work. I will keep trying. The Booksmith is always a backup :).
I live so far off the beaten path there is no way I can ask you to come to my city for a book tour! Lol. However, I did preorder your book and am really really looking forward to that!
So, I tried to hit the hotlink for the picture of Jacob on your post here and there is none! I mean the hotlink is there, but it shows up as a type of error message. I thought you might like to know.
SO glad to hear that you will be continuing your posting when you are on tour, because selfishly I was thinking it would be really really hard for you to cook when you are gone for so long! Hope you can send an occasional ig pix in, too. Loved the goldfish pic! Have a great time on your tour!!
My, my, my. . . I honestly feel I’ve been on this journey with you; that’s when I’m not feeling it has been my journey. I have, indeed, lived this journey vicariously through you. Oh, and then there are the times I feel like your proud, proud mother (even though I’m not Jewish). As it says in Psalms, “Once I was young, and now I am old. .” (well, not that old, but still) and you have lived nearly the dream I have had my whole life. And I’m so very, very proud of you, my dear internet friend. Hope to see you in Philadelphia.
Hi there- I don’ t see any info on the Toronto signing on the site for the Cookbook store…….
PLEASE comme to Montreal on your cookbook tour!
What do I do with the yeast if I can only find Instant Yeast?
So exciting, I would love to meet you in NYC!
Delighted that you are coming to Houston! Can’t wait!!
Hi. Last weekend, I made your “Best Challah” with my 5-year old nephew. We had a lot of fun and turned out 2 surprisingly gigantic and absolutely gorgeous loaves of challah. Recipe was wonderful esp because the bread was not super sweet. One loaf gone almost immediately, enjoyed by 7 of us away for family weekend. The most surprising aspect of the recipe was the refrigerator rising, which we did.
just finished reading this recipe–can’t wait to try it–just wondering why this one has 2 risings instead of 3 like the “best challah.”(curious). thanks
CHICAGO…oh dear, your supposed “Chicago” stops are no where near Chicago really, they are FAR north suburbs impossible for this city girl to get to on a weekend or weeknight. Soooo disappointed you won’t be in the (second) city. How do those little northern suburbs rate to get you wirh no stop in Chicago at all? Challa looks amazing Deb. I will have it for breaking the fast. Can’t wait! Brilliant….
PLEASE COME TO MONTREAL!!!! I am inordinately jealous of all the people who dwell in the cities you are visiting…
I wish you were coming to Montreal as well.
It truly is amazing how far you’ve come in only 6 years – congratulations!
(the bread looks amazing too!)
You’re coming to Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston; we can’t wait! The staff is fighting over the advanced copy of your cookbook – EVERY recipe is a hit! My favorite right now is the kale salad with dried cherries – have it for lunch every day!
Looks wonderful. Gale above asked if you could use fig preserves instead of making your own mixture – I didn’t see an answer. Can you use fig preserves?
Any chance of adding another Los Angeles date? 1 p.m. on a weekday is no bueno for those of us with corporate jobs. In any event, I have never looked forward to any book release this much!
Deb, this bread sounds wonderful! I’ve just moved and will have to add this to my list of things to make once the kitchen is in order, but on the plus side I’m now in Brookline, MA and am SO EXCITED that you’ll be here on your tour! It’s too bad you won’t be here on a Friday when I could bring you a challah turtle from the bakery I work at. (Just about as impressive as the lovely braid you used up top!)
Oh I wish, I wish, I wish you were coming to my area! I live in NW ohio.. closest big city is Toledo.. But even Ann Arbor, Mi is close enough for me to drive!
It always has to be 2 loaves…. One to eat out of the oven and one to serve. It’s rough trying to get to French toast.
I have used the Silver Palate recipe for years for my challah. But this recipe looks lovely!
Looking forward to the book. Shana Tova!
You must come to the Dallas area! Those other two places in Texas really don’t count. I know..I’ve been to both. You’ll hate the traffic in Austin and Houston stinks. The air is clear and it’s a chilly 90 degrees here! Have I convinced you yet?
Was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon your interview in my latest copy of Imbibe and when I saw your picture an image of your little guy immediately flashed in my head! Can’t wait for the book!
What? No appearances in Paris, France, food capital of the world (and where I live)? Ah well, I’ll just have to wait. Congrats on 6 wonderful years of fun, food, and great writing.
Another vote for adding Minneapolis/St. Paul to the book tour!
Sadly, neither Wheeling nor Lake Zurich are close to Chicago, so I will not be able to see you. :(
Deb, if you make it to NC, you’ve got a place to stay as well. I’d be honored!
I just had to thank you for the individual photos of the challah weaving. I am a pretty intelligent woman, but I am incredibly visual. Simply reading your instructions, well written as they are, would’ve left me baffled, even with repeated attempts. But seeing it in photographs made me understand it in one shot.
So, from a special education teacher, thank you for recognizing the fact that not everyone learns in the same manner!
This bread looks wonderful!
Dearest Deb,
I’m here heartbroken because the DEEP SOUTH is nowhere on your book tour. We here in Mississippi love you too. My Texas cousin is snickering(I’ll take care of her later!) because you’re going there and not here. Next time, tell the powers that be that cooks live in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida,Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina and we want to see you too!!
Book tours sound exhausting! Be sure and fortify yourself at local restaurants. That is why Montreal (close to NYC) makes so much sense! A foreign country on your doorstep! Upstate New Yorkers and Vermonters are Smitten enough to drive up to La Belle Province…
So happy you’re coming to Seattle! I have no idea where the Book Larder is but between now and November I’ll have the path memorized! I’m hoping you’ll have more than an hour or two in Seattle with nothing to do!!!
When, oh when, are people going to realize that the Mitten state is where it is at? We get left out of all these fun events!
Re the challah bread…wow, can’t wait to try it. The bummer is I will need to print the pictures of the braiding process, because although I can bake like the best of them, crafts (and that is exactly what that braiding looks like) make me flustered!
Deb – I am due with my first child a week before you come to Seattle, so I will likely miss your stop here. I have been reading since the very beginning on this site (and before!), and you are one of the few bloggers I would get off my tush and go to an event for. Congratulations on the book and I hope you have a great tour!!
This looks amazing, and it will definitely be my first attempt at challah-making! I may have to see if I can get down to NYC for one of your signings…unless you intend to add any upstate (ahem-Syracuse) stops to your tour!
I never leave comments…but i never miss a post and I would never miss the opportunity for you to sign my copy! I’ll be there on Oct. 30th…your Challah bread looks and sounds amazing.
annie
Congrats on the book tour!! And this bread definitely does look like kind of a big deal. I can’t wait to indulge in your cookbook! Congrats, again!
i may have gasped out loud on the bus this morning as i read this post – SO excited you’ll be coming to Seattle! See you in November
I’m delighted to read how excited everyone is about the pending publication of the book and the upcoming tour. Although I’m fairly new to your blog, I do love it and all the creative recipes. Perhaps, the deep south can be included on the next round of book signings. The challah looks wonderful, and I do love figs. Blessings to you and your family for Rosh Hashanah.
I put the date in my calendar. Very excited to attend a book signing.
Congratulations on the 6th anniversary! I can’t wait for your book tour – I keep hoping that I’ll stumble into you on the streets of Manhattan some day, but I’ll be stalking you at Columbus Circle for sure.
booooo…I thought for sure you would make it to Nashville on your tour! so sad!
This looks amazing and so happy to see you’re making a stop in Seattle on your book tour!
Yay! Another Vancouverite excited to see you’re coming! There’s lots of great restaurants here, hopefully you’ll have time to check a few of them out.
can’t wait for your book—too bad that it is almost 5hrs to CHicago area for a signing!!
Congratulations on your book! Hopefully we can meet during your book tour stop in Boston. I redesigned my photography website and launched a blog earlier this year, and I’m constantly inspired by bloggers like you who grew your passion into a career.
So excited you’re coming to Portland. My daughters turned me on to your blog some time ago, and it’s one of the week’s highlights. Powell’s in Portland is fabulous, and just across the street and mid block from Penzeys – one of your favorites, I know. See you in PDX.
How about Princeton? It would be great to see you at Labyrinth books. I’d even buy a second copy. I’ll try the bread this weekend. I might slip some white whole wheat into it.
Really excited about your book, but you basically aren’t going to a single Southern state (except for Texas, which really doesn’t count)! :( Your fans in Nashville are very disappointed.
Deb! I have an SK fan for years! I have never commented, but was compelled to after I checked your book tour locations and didn’t find ATLANTA!!
Please come here!! My sister and I have both already pre-ordered your book!
Minneapolis/St. Paul would be a great place to stop, lots of foodies here!
This is a gorgeous post all around and the photos of the braiding technique are especially wonderful! Thanks for giving us beautiful food imagery and cooking inspiration weekly :)
Deb-
It is so great to see the recipe credit read ” From the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.” I had a heart-leap of joy for you. I hope you did too.
Fig Challah is my new battle cry!
Come to Vermont on your tour! We have lots of foodies into locally grown and made foods and lots of lovely cheeses and beers and breads for you to buy–its not just maple syrup up here any more! Knowing how unlikely that is though, I will hope my work travels take me to one of these cities on the right day…
Congratulations on your bookbook, your tour, and your absolutely joyful take on everything that has to do with food and friendship. And isn’t that really all there is?
*-Request-*
Will you please establish a collection of links to those sites with pre-release (and post release, too) reviews of your book?
Oh. My. God. That bread looks DIVINE! Hooray for vacation days, cause now I know what I’m doing today! :) And congratulations on your book tour! I’m just curious… what are you going to do with your bouncing baby ball of adorable while you’re traveling for a month and a half?
I´m so crazy for figs and bread baking this is a fantastic recipe and idea! I imagine the fig paste is great for a crumble bar also. It´s so great everything your blog made possible for you and also for us late bloomers. The other day I saw your italian pear chocolate cake being made on tv in spanish! I had made it a few times and thought it sounded familiar… maybe one day you´ll tour south america, jaja! Congratulations Deb
I cannot wait to try this recipe. It sounds and looks incredible. Thanks for the inspiration!!! Any advice for a newbie blogger?
Question for this amazing looking recipe: calls for “all purpose” flour. I always use Bread flour (usually King Arthur) when I bake challah (which is usually every week) Do you feel strongly about the type of flour?
marcy — You can use bread flour, of course. I wanted to make sure people knew they didn’t have to go out and buy a special flour to make it.
Xochi — I was waiting for this question! :) Wherever possible, I will bring Jacob and Alex with me. However, while my initial hope had been to take them everywhere, the reality is that there’s no way my 3 year-old is going to handle several flights a week, sleeping in hotels, not having homemade meals and missing his beloved preschool and daily routine very well. And my husband only has a little bit of vacation time left to use this year. So, there will be some trips that just include Alex (the West Coast, most likely, which includes 6 flights in 8 days, an impossibility for a 3 year old, ayee) and some where it will just be me and Jacob (and maybe my mom, to help with Toddler Management, heh).
Susan — I put a little Early Kind Words, Press, and Other Tasteless Braggery on the bottom of the Book page. :) True story: The blurb from Eat Me Daily still makes me a little sniffly when I read it.
Trisha — I’d love to! It’s quite close to where I grew up.
Doug — Anything in Europe/UK/Australia would fall in with the UK edition, which will be out in February, 2013. No book tour is planned at this time, but I bet if there’s enough interest, they will consider it. (Which is my polite way of saying PLEASE MAKE THEM SEND ME TO PARIS AND ROME AND LONDON AND MELBOURNE… hee hee.)
Fig preserves/Gale/KXJ — In comment #34, I mentioned my concern that fig jam/preserves would be thinner than the paste I use here, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work. It just might get a little more lost in the bread dough. It might also be a touch sweeter. But again, I don’t see why it couldn’t potentially work.
I’m so so soooo excited about your cookbook coming out. I think I came across your blog a little over five years ago and have been “smitten” ever since (right, you’ve never heard that one before… :D). Here’s hoping that Hawaii (specifically Oahu) gets added to your book tour as well!
First i have to say again congrats on the book – i see you will be in Seattle, i promise i will come by and say hi and ask for your autograph :)
Secondly this challah looks amazing! The braiding just is gorgeous!
I’m SO excited for the book!! I pre-ordered it and I’m already making a list of all the friends who’ll be getting it as a Christmas present.
Also, as an aside to your publishers: ADD DALLAS TO THE TOUR! I’m going to try really hard to get to Austin or Houston, but please please please consider adding Dallas to the rotation!
I have been a fan for years and have been waiting with bated breath for your book tour dates. But wouldn’t you know, you’ll be coming to LA on my due date! So unless my baby arrives very early or very late I’ll have to find a surrogate to get me a signed cookbook!
That is one gorgeous loaf.
Deb, your book looks gorgeous, and I hope that at some point your tour will lead you to Ohio. I live in Columbus, but would probably drive to Cinci or the Cleve if you landed in either of those spots.
I am going to make this Challah this weekend, though I think I might try dates. I love dates, and look for opportunities to use them in things other than cookies and scones. I don’t know if anyone else has tried this, but it sounds yummy to me…
Judy — I would LOVE to go to Ohio. I am sure my publishers are paying attention to all of these suggestions and will let me know if they think we should add more cities. … Re, dates: I agree! I was thinking they’d be great here too. Btw, there is an Almond-Date Breakfast Bar in the book that I think has your name all over it. :)
debio — Oh no! The link is working for me. Can you try again? Maybe Flickr (my photo host) was down briefly when you checked.
Leyla — You’ll definitely be able to buy it that day. If you buy it in advance online, I don’t think it would be a problem either.
Leslie — Good catch! “Special presentation” is generic for “we haven’t figured it out yet.” :)
Sally — That’s great! I fear I might need it. I’m also seriously, seriously afraid of having a conversation with someone about, say, toddler onesies (because I would, trust me) while signing their book and then I’d write, “Hope you like the onesie!” Like, it’s going to happen. Just a matter of when.
Thank you so much for posting this beautiful recipe in time to try it (and/or the apple honey challah) for the holidays this year! Challah making was already on my agenda for this weekend, so it is perfect. I put the date on my calendar to come see you in Philadelphia, and am looking forward to it!
Deb! Amazing job as usual. I’m pumped you’ll be in Vancouver but sad that I’ll have to work. I’m already contemplating whether it’s viable to take the day off to meet you down at Chapters. But Vancouver and Seattle in the same day!? Are your tour managers sadistic? That’s a long long LONG day! Or is it a typo? I’m exhausted already. I wish you the best of luck!
Great recipe! Will be making again for Rosh Hashanah.
So excited for the book signing in NYC!
Deb,
Another great reason to love Powell’s Books! I cannot wait to see you in person! So glad you’re hitting Portland, Oregon! I’ll have my book, a bit splotchy and used looking from all that cooking under my arm!
Holy crap that looks AMAZING! And as I’m staring out at the drizzling rain, tea in hand, I’m wishing you lived a bit closer and were inclined to share.
Oh my! Beautiful. I actually have ripe figs on our tree in the backyard – hope I can find the time and patience to make this.
If i was having a book signing (dream on!) I’d want a show of hands for each event so when I wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night fearing “What if nobody comes!?!” I’d have proof that I wouldn’t be all alone. So my hand is raised for the Napa event. You’ll be amongst friends, dear Deb. Can’t wait!
mine would NEVER look this pretty but I definitely wanna give it a shot, anyways!!
What Deb? No visit to your german readers?Can we bribe you with some Apple Strudel or Kugel (German: Gugel)?? Also: germany has many great yeast-based sweets!! :)
What beautiful bread. Challah changes lives, and so does gorgeous bread that makes as good a piece of art (centerpiece) as anything. Congratulations on the 6th anniversary and the growing book tour!
I’m so excited you’re coming to HOUSTON! Only problem is that my baby is due 8 days before the event…if I’m not in labor, I’ll be there. :)
I will be in SF when you are there!! It is to celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday but since he is the beneficiary of your recipes I am sure he will be happy to oblige me with a visit to see you. I pre-purchased the iBook version so I can’t get a signature but it would be great to meet you.
I am RIDICULOUSLY excited that you’re coming to Portland! (My boyfriend reports that I squealed with anticipation). So thrilled to finally meet you!
If your tour “grows from here” as you inkle it could, please consider the Mall of America in Minneapolis! I know it’s not even close to being FL in winter, but still, a totally fantastic place to visit on a book tour! And we have a large metro area that includes both Minneapolis AND St. Paul!
Also, this bread looks like a piece of art – amazing!
Yum, I love all of your bread recipes. Please come to Florida!!!
I can’t wait to get the book….even if you’re not coming anywhere near florida. (sigh)
I was thinking that I was going to make a pumpkin challah again this year, but now that I’ve seen this, I think I need to get out and find some dried figs and get to work on this.
Maybe I’ll do both…my family loves challah.
I am DEFINITELY going to make this. And go to your Boston signing as well! Yay!
One of the best Jacob pictures yet! Especially next to the previous one. Oh, what a ham!
I’m so excited you’re coming to Vancouver! I’ll be there:)
What – no stops in the middle of the country? What are we, chopped liver? You have many fans in Kansas City. Come see us!
I see you already have a number of pleas for a book-tour stop in Arizona, but I’m going to add my voice to the chorus as well. Please, please, please come to Phoenix (or even Tucson)! We’d love to see you.
Girl, I love you and cannot believe you left out the ENTIRE South East?! I’m not going to quit reading but I am going to pout…
Congrats on the book tour!
Wooohooo! You’re coming to my po-dunk little area! Not sure why, but I’m awfully glad! Can’t wait to see you!
Why not make a little vacation out of it and do a signing on LI. I Know there’s a good bookstore in Westhampton. Anyhow, I am both motorically and perceptually challenged and there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell I could do that braid. The instructions alone give me a headache. Can I just divide the dough in three pieces and do a simple braid?
Congratulations! I hope to see you at Book Larder in Seattle!
Yay, oh, yay!!!! You’re coming to Austin! I want to be so pushy and tell you all the great food places to visit and offer to buy you a drink, but I’ll control myself and just say, I’ll be there front and center !
I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited that you are coming to Santa Cruz. You are going to love our little town!!!
The BOOK TOUR! I’m so excited!! :):) Thank you for the comic relief, SO MANY great recipes, and the sweet anticipation of more to come.
Challah is such a beautiful bread. This one looks beyond scrumptious. It’s on my to-bake list. Congrats on the book and the impending book tour.
Hey Deb,
Longtime reader, first time commenter… Just wanted to say I’m super excited about the cookbook and your tour! I’d like to throw a word out there for Pittsburgh also! I can recommended some awesome places to eat. ;-) If you don’t make it to Pittsburgh this time around, I’ll do my best to see you somewhere else!
Can I beg and plead to PLEASE COME TO NEW ORLEANS on your book tour?!
I am from Philadelphia, but am working down here until the New Year and will not be able to travel back. NOLA is the biggest foodie city I’ve met, your book would go over amazingly!
P.S. Challah looks amazing, the perfect challenge!
This is such an awesome combo! So unexpected. I can’t WAIT to try it out. L’Shana Tova!
I am a dork. I read through your book tour list and started getting so nervous on your behalf! Also, “this little url turned six years old” — my immediate thought was, “Jacob’s how old?!” Clearly the excitement is addling my brain.
Well, I can see I’m just going to have to plan a road trip to one of these from Alabama! Maybe my other SK-obsessed friends will join me! I’m going to be in the L.A. area for a wedding but leave literally just a couple of days before your stop there.
Six years?! I am NOT that old. Not possible. I loved your apple challah and figs are my favorite … can’t wait to try this one. Those slices look incredible. And so glad to see you’ll be in CA!! (Are you bringing your Jacob? Because I think he and my Jacob would get along famously ;) )
This challah is fantastic! I made it today, utterly messed up the presentation, but it was all good because the bread and fig spread tasted incredible! Thanks so much for this recipe. :)
Wow! 365 comments! Yummy challah Deb. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Portland. We should meet: hope you and Alex like beer, we have a brewery. Shana Tova!
You’re coming to Santa Cruz! I can’t believe it! If you make it down to Monterey I’ll totally babysit and give you awesome restaurant recommendations.
You’re coming to Canada! And even pretty close to me! (I’m in Victoria). Your blog has been my biggest addiction, after tea, the last couple of years. The day I don’t pop on for some inspiration and humour in the midst of studying is rare indeed. I’m really sorry to miss you, but classes are classes. Hopefully next time I’ll be able to meet you!
But? But? But…what about DENVER?!? We’re in the middle, we’ve got beautiful scenery, we’ve got a big airport that connects with lots of other airports–it would be so easy to just drop in for a bit! If your publishers can’t find a bookstore, you can hold the signing in my kitchen. So it’s settled then? A stop in Denver? Pretty please with homemade Oreos on top?
Very excited (and surprised) to see Vancouver on your book tour. I will see you at Books to Cooks in November! So nice of you to cross the continent all the way over here :). Love your posts and amazing recipes, can’t wait for the book.
Deb! First time commenter–came to find a strata recipe though I have no business staying up late to prepare breakfast for tomorrow–got distracted by the amazing challah (just in time for the holidays! but it looks intimidating!)–and finally, I feel compelled to express (my own neurotic) concern that you are not giving yourself enough time to get from SF to Santa Cruz!
Something to consider. It usually takes between 1-2 hours, the latter only if traffic is bad, which it usually isn’t at that time on a Sunday. BUT, who needs the stress of rushing? Enjoy Northern California, is all I’m saying. Don’t rush. I hope to attend one of the events! All the best on the book and Shana Tovah!
*crying* I can’t go to those launches!
Will you come to my kitchen in Sydney Australia? There’s probably room for the trike as well…
Honestly – who gets 372 comments on a single blog post? In this market of many hundreds and thousands of food bloggers? It doesn’t surprise me that people love your blog, but those numbers are GOOD, girl!
And sigh, guess I didn’t expect Dubai, UAE to be on the list – make sure they send some books our way though.
Another vote for Paris!
A true work of art… if I manage to work up enough courage, I will definitely try this… I am dreaming of that french toast. Oh, and by the way, congratulations, you have really come a long (and much deserved) way! I have been there for a good deal of the way, long before starting my only little blog.
BTW – Lake Zurich and Wheeling are not (even close to) Chicago. So you’ll be flying into O’Hare, but you are not coming to Chicago.
Hi Deb…Long time lurker, first time commenter…. Please try and make it to Australia (Melbourne to be precise!!) Would LOVE to come meet you!! You do have fans down under you know, don’t ignore this hemisphere! Plus, the coffee and chocolates are amazing :-P
Question, I want to pre-order the book, but was wondering how much content is relevant for vegetarians? Also, if the recipes are adaptable that’s cool too… Maybe an approximate idea?
First let me say that IMHO your blog is hands down the best food blog out there. I too have a tiny little kitchen, but love to cook so when I saw your blog I knew it was exactly what I was looking for! I haven’t been reading it for very long, but have already made a number of the recipes and have loved every single one. That’s why I’m so very disappointed that you aren’t bringing your book tour to the southern states! I had thought surely you would at least come here to Atlanta! Ah well, I’ll just have to content myself with reading your blog – and whipping up another batch of those yummy parmesean crackers; they’ve become a staple in my kitchen.
Yay! You’re coming to Toronto! Since it’s a ticketed event here, and the price includes a copy of your book, I’ve cancelled my pre-order with Amazon. My sons, who introduced me to the outstanding Smitten Kitchen will be coming too. Your announcement had the store’s phone ringing off the hook and I had to keep redialing, but I got those tickets! See you in November!
Deb – I rarely comment but am a loyal reader and I send everyone I know to your site. I would come to your tiny kitchen anytime!! I am going to try to make it to the Columbus Circle appearance. My 10-month-old twins are the only possible snag (have to make sure my husband is free that night). Speaking of babies – do you take Jacob to Pediatric Associates? I thought I saw him there about a month ago but I had my hands full and when I turned my head for a moment he was gone. If it wasn’t him, then some other little boy has his absurdly cute hair!
L’shanah tovah tikatevi v’taihatemi.
I’ll be making this for the potluck lunch that my shul has on second day of R”H. Thank you!
I can’t believe it’s been 6 years either, I remember pictures of you pregnant! Time sure flies!! I’m so excited for you to come to Toronto :) Only for one day though? How will you try the range of multicultural offerings we have? Congratulations on EVERYTHING :) :)
Congrats on the book tour! One of my good friends recommended your blog (she is starting a kitchenware company). I love all the pics and recipes!
Deb,
I cannot wait for your cokbook. Seriously! I have already pre-ordered it but I might have to come see you on your book tour, so I will give the pre-ordered copy to my sister as a gift. Thanks for brining all that deliciousness into my kitchen!
I have been reading your blog for a long time, but have never commented. I love your blog. Had to wish you a safe, happy, adventure-filled book tour. Come to Indiana, please.
Hey Deb –
Thanks so much for the challa recipe. I have some fig butter from TJ’s in my fridge that I’m going to try using instead of making the paste you describe. It is very thick (hence butter, not jam or paste) so I think it will work. There is no added sugar either. I have to admit bread making is a little daunting to me but hopefully it will come out right. Will probably try to make this Saturday and bake it off Sunday….I think you mentioned the bread would be OK for a day in the fridge.
PLEASE COME TO MIAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am from Oakland, and it would be great if you visited the East Bay in addition to SF. BUT more importantly, COME TO FLOR-EE-DAH!!!!
Congratulations Deb!!
No love for the south on your cookbook tour?
Signed,
A sad fan in Athens, Ga
Chiming in on the Chicago sites – it’s interesting to me that the publisher picked two villages north of the city, rather than a location actually in Chicago. I wonder if the idea was to capture both Chicagoans and us fans in the Madison/Milwaukee area. However, for me, living near Madison, it’s definitely easier to get to Chicago (by car or bus) than to Lake Zurich (Hwy 12 nightmare) or Wheeling. And thinking of those living in Chicago, I’m puzzled that they’d choose a suburb not on Metra.
Alas! No love for the south-east–I checked for stops in Georgia, NC, SC, and TN, but nothin’ doing. I shall have to be content to buy the book :)
Montreal!!!
I found a typo on your book tour page!! No where does it say the time and location for you Minneapolis/St. Paul stop. I’d like to know where I need to show up. =]
Hooray, I just bought my tickets for the Toronto date! I’m a long time reader and this is my first comment. I just want to say that I’m so happy for you to have a book and I’m thrilled to meet you.
Small note: the phone number for the Cookbook store in Toronto ends with 2665, not 2655 as listed on your site.
Please come to Florida on your tour.
EEEE!!! I’m so excited about your book tour (and cooking demos!!) and cannot wait to see you in the Boston area in late November!!! I bet you will have so much fun. It sounds like the Wellesley event will be ticketed…would love to know when tickets will go on sale! http://www.wellesley.indiebound.com/event/smitten-kitchen
Deb, I’ve been reading your blog for several years but rarely comment. But I just had to say how excited I was to see your article in MS Living. I can’t wait to get my hands on your book! I wish you all the best as you juggle everything!
This looks beyond amazing! And, I needed a challah recipe for my newly married, newly converted friend who better be having me over for Friday night dinner soon.
See you in Toronto! Amusingly, when I registered yesterday, the woman on the phone said “oh my God, you’re a guy!”. Yes, some dudes are excited about your cookbook too! ;-)
I want you to know, I have a serious bread phobia. I seem to always run into some hiccup along the proofing and baking process. But I am slowly starting to be more adventurous in my baking. Thank you so much for this beautiful and inspiring recipe! I just successfully baked this about two minutes ago. It is cooling and my house smells amazing! Thank you so much for all your beautiful posts. I look forward to sharing this recipe with my readers and meeting you at the book tour!
6 years of amazing recipes AND a booktour! Big things are happening for you, Deb and you definitely deserve it! I can’t wait to get ahold of your cookbook and make my way through all the recipes. Your challah looks amazing, as your baked goods always do! I’ve never made challah and know that when I eventually do, your recipe and how-to will make the new-to-me-experience so much easier! Thanks for 6 years of awesomeness!
Congrats!! Can’t wait for the cookbook.
Boston is so close to Cape Cod… and the Cape is beautiful… your publishers should set up a signing on our pretty spit of sand!! The book tour is about places you want to visit, right?? …. uh, of course not! :)
I am making this for Rosh this weekend. Wish me luck, never made bread before. Maybe I will need to buy a back up loaf.
That looks absolutely glorious. I’ve always wanted to make challah, so I’m going to study your weaving instructions very carefully.
No love for the Deep South on your book tour?
Ah! This is like the bread of my dreams. It’s like you went into my head and pulled out the best idea I’d never even managed to come up with yet. I’m in love! Also, you really should add Minneapolis (Minnesota) to your book tour. Really. Pleeeeeeeease?
Hi Deb! Super congrats on the book! Quick question about pre-orders. I pre-ordered 3 copies on Amazon back in May but Amazon is still showing that the book won’t ship until Nov3-5. Is that a mistake on their part? I’d like to have the book as soon as possible (and I’m giving it as a gift to my mom and sister)… not sure if I should cancel the Amazon order and just buy it in the store. Any information you can provide would be very helpful!
Thanks and congrats again!
Congrats, Deb! I would love to figure out a gluten-free version of this. DEB’S PUBLISHERS- Wheeling, IL is extremely far for anyone living in Chicago to get to in rush-hour traffic. Regardless of the miles because of the traffic density. From just below the loop, it would be 2 hours to get that far north in rush hour to arrive for the signing. Add 30-45 minutes longer if it’s raining that night. Really, really disappointed you didn’t select a Chicago location. Any working professional in Chicago would have alot of difficulty getting to Wheeling without taking several hours off of work.
This kind of looks like the best thing EVER.
I want to put in a plug for a Utah visit. Now that I am in a fly-over state I am missing the fabulousness of your visit.
A beautiful loaf of challah :)
Will you be in Southern California…Pasadena?
I also wish you were coming to a Chicago bookstore, such as Women and Children First, which has a wonderful reading/signing space and a great online following. With all the foodies in the city, I’m sure you’d receive a wonderful welcome. Wheeling is not remotely part of Chicago–it’s even too far away to be considered a Chicago suburb.
But I’m thrilled to try the recipe this weekend–if I can still find figs! I promised my Rosh Hashonah hostess a plain challah–now I can bring a sweet one as well. Thank you!
Pre-ordered the book a couple days ago. Anxiously awaiting the end of October. Congratulations! Also, great article in MSLiving!
@ #395 Emily –
Wellesley Books in MA will be setting up their events page and ticketing facility next week; I guess many people have been calling, and they were actually thinking about moving to a larger venue :)
Isn’t it lovely when life turns out as it should? Terrific recipes, so the book can only be a mondo hit.
Come to Phoenix!!! Please!!! Or anywhere in Arizona.
This looks beautiful (but entirely too complicated for an amateur such as myself)! I pre-ordered your book the day you announced it was available for pre-order. I SO cannot wait!!!
You make this look so easy……
Deb, I love hearing about the book tour AND the challah. I am wondering if you make future posts about the tour whether you could perhaps do them separate from a recipe post as it makes it hard to sort through for recipe comments.
Thanks, and Happy New Year:)
That might be the most beautiful Challah I’ve ever seen. I wish you shipped them to Chicago : )
Oh Dearest Of Publishers,
Here is a link of where Deb needs to be for the southern leg.
http://www.flyleafbooks.com/
Thanks.
How I had hoped to see Buffalo on that list! :(
What a beautiful loaf of bread, Deb! Really excited to try this one. Going to check out your tour dates now — hoping our paths will cross. :)
I wish you were coming to San Diego, but it doesn’t look like that would be realistic to add to your West Coast tour. Maybe next time??
this amateur/experimenter gained confidence in the kitchen after trying out one recipe after another from the Smitten Kitchen. I am so happy that there will be a book tour and I cant wait to greet you in person at the Beverly Hills Sonoma. As a someone who moved recently from Canada to the OC, I have yet to venture out and experience LA traffic. But I will be there Nov 2nd. Can’t wait, it will be first time attending any kind of book signing.
In Seattle, ON my birthday, at the coolest bookstore ever? Good thing I haven’t made plans yet!!!
congratulations! this loaf is absolutely beautiful!
Woot! You’re coming to D.C.!
Congrats on 6 years! And Washington DC isn’t too far from Virginia Beach (only like 3 hours), so that could actually be a doable trip. So excited for the book and thanks for sharing another preview recipe – this challah looks incredible and I love the way you braided the loaf together. Amazing… I’m featuring this post in today’s Food Fetish Friday (with a link-back and attribution as always). Thanks for always inspiring me with your creations…
This looks fantastic!! I’m headed to a Rosh Hashanah gathering on Sunday, maybe I will make the challah from scratch. Fig is a great idea… I wonder how tiny apple slices would do in here?? Challah and apples and honey in one…
Hi Samantha — You might like my apple and honey challah from last year.
Chicago — We hear your concerns about the distance and are looking into adding another event at a downtown store. I will keep you posted. And definitely keep checking back on the Book Tour page. As I mentioned at the top, it’s very much a work in progress. What is scheduled will stay, but more events are likely to be added. :)
Anita — Hm, that’s weird. Amazon.com is telling you that? Let me ask around and I’ll get back to you with a response.
Amanda — Ha! I do. I think I took him in to have his little meatloaf feet looked at. They were fine. :) Bring your twins! My elders will march them right up to the front and be all, “Aren’t these cute? Don’t you want another?!”
“Sign my book?” was an ad in my high school yearbook years back. But how do I get you to sign this wonderful cookbook I have to purchase from webshop since I can’t wait the European version to come out. Paris and Rome and other cities of your European tour-to-be are quite far away from Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi… Thanks for all these wonderful recepies and gorgeous pictures!
YOU”RE COMING TO POWELLS!!!!! So happy for you and for me! I can’t wait to see you there.
Oh, Deb, I’m so glad that you’re coming to Toronto! I’ve been an admirer of your blog for a long time (you were a big influence on my starting my own blog), even though this is my first-ever comment. I’d love to get to meet you.
Deb this looks amazing!! And the book tour is awesome – please, please consider coming to DENVER and bring some challah with you! We’d love to have you!!
OY. This looks so tasty!!
Denver is crying! We’ll miss seeing you!
Thank you for posting the braided crown challah technique and photos! I used my own recipe and found your technique very easy to follow. Now I am ready to bake for Rosh Hashanah on Sunday.
I posted a link to your recipe and gave credit on my site, Dancing With Cancer: Living With Mets, The New Normal.
Whee! Okay, it was a busy two days (more about why on Monday) but I am finally caught up on comments. First, THANK YOU. Your response to the book tour announcement has been wonderful. It has made my week. It has made me wish the book were out today!
Second, I know I said this earlier, but please understand, I never said, “Ick! I don’t want to go to Miami/Denver/St. Louis/Minneapolis/Charlotte/Atlanta/Pittsburgh/SLC!” I would in fact love to go all of those places. My publishers planned the book tour and they really are trying to get me as many places as they can in the all-too-brief period between Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some places got unfortunately overlooked in the first draft. Fortunately, it’s not the end of the story. We’re adding events all of the time, so keep checking back (and of course, speaking up. They’re listening!) for changes on the Book Tour page.
Mmm. I’m going to have to make this for Rosh Hashanah. It looks super tasty! And you seem to have pretty clear braiding instructions, which is good, because I’ve only ever done the stand 3 or 6 strand braids.
Also, please, please, please come to Ohio! I have to vouch for my hometown of Cleveland being awesome and cool, and being a frugal foodie’s dream (even though we are the butt of every joke). Also, Pittsburgh and Columbus are each only about 2 hours away, so it could draw some of them. So, another vote for Ohio!
SOOO looking forward to you coming to Santa Cruz! I shall drive over the mountain to get your cookbook signed! Awesome news for this bookseller!!
Yay! Congratulations on the book tour and I hope to see you in Seattle! I am SO excited to try this bread, someday!
What, no European tour?!
Anyway, huge congratulations for the tour AND ever wonderful blog! You’re such an inspiration!
Thanks for posting this! I really like the pictures of the braiding, it looks very complicated!
This was delicious! I made fig and walnut bagels a few weeks ago and I loved the flavor combination so I added 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts to the puree. Great for breakfast with some solid honey smeared on it. Thanks for the recipe!
no Florida :'((
Another vote for Dallas/Ft Worth!! I don’t have anything against Houston or Austin, they’re just too far for me to travel for a book tour. But other commenters are right, you’re popular around here!!
I tried this recipe last night. My dough came out much heavier than what is shown in the photo. My fig paste was very thick and hard to spread. That being said, the bread turned out fabulous! I will try it again–this was my first time making Challah, so I may have some things to learn about the dough and how it should be. My 23-year old son is a faithful reader of this blog and passed this on to me. Thanks for a great recipe! I can’t wait to try some of the very nice-sounding variations.
Congrats! I can’t wait to hold a copy of your coookbook.
And please come to Ottawa (or Montreal) on your book tour!
What? No North Carolina? :) I guess we don’t match up to the big cities, but boy I’d love to see you come to central NC!
Congrats!
shannon
I love Challah. Looks delicious.
While you’re in LA, why don’t you do a reading/signing at Small World Books in Venice? Or really anywhere after work hours (Book Soup?)– I can’t come in the middle of the day on a Friday… but I’d love to come after work one day…
I want to drop everything and bake challah that looks just like this. It is stunning. Stunning. Well done, Deb!
Not going to lie, your cookbook coming out is one of the things I’ve looked forward to the most this year (and I had a baby in June, so that should kinda show you how warped my priorities are). Now I am totally nerding out that you’ll be in Texas!! This looks fantastic!! I’m headed to a Rosh Hashanah gathering on Sunday, maybe I will make the challah from scratch. Fig is a great idea… I wonder how tiny apple slices would do in here?? Challah and apples and honey in one…
Hi Deb,
I did it. My technique will need improvement (I didn’t get the dough rolled out quite thin enough), and with dates I think the 1/2 cup of water in addition to juice may be too much liquid. It’s not pretty, but OH! This is so good with dates. Lovely slathered with butter. The sweet of the dates with the salt bursting out of no where…. Ahh! Thanks for this (and for so many other great recipes that you’ve added to my canon)! Mmmm.
I can’t wait to see you at Politics and Prose in November. I am waiting for my challah to rise and I pray it looks and tastes as good as yours.
Wow, there are so many comments. I hope you manage to see this one.
I’m tempted to try to make this, but with some sort of blueberry filling (since I have so many blueberries). Think that would work?
My other thought was to use cinnamon.
I’ll see you in Portland! I owe you thanks for your vanilla bean pudding, it’s one of my go-to comfort foods :-)
You are so inspiring! How would/could you adapt this to be whole wheat?
I came here via Pinterest and a creme brulee french toast recipe. Loved your “voice”, not to mention the recipe (this is on my to-do list to make) and this is the second post I land on. You wrote a cookbook! Will add your blog to my reader and check out more of your recipes… congrats on the book!
Sorry to add yet another city to your list, but the original Spice House (the people who started Penzey’s) is near Milwaukee, and a real trip. It’s a tiny house with giant glass jars and overwhelming aromas. And if you’re there at the right time, you might get a little vanilla sugar in your hand.
Long time follower and baker of SK recipes for birthdays. Have already recruited three friends to come to the DC event at Politics & Prose. But, would you consider a stop in Baltimore? Maybe we could arrange an event at the Village Learning Place, a great old Victorian building that was a library branch. You’d love the venue and the community would love you too. I’ll buy you dinner (and a book, if I don’t already have one by then). Val
Deb – lovely challah. And I’m so excited that you are coming to Vancouver for 2 signings – I’ve have to figure out which one I can get to. Like Alisha I’m thinking you will have a long day with both Vancouver and Seattle in one day but Book Larder is so lovely. Can’t wait!
Would your bread/loaf recipes work equally as well if I were to halve them?
You are really coming to Philly? I am so thrilled! I am putting your visit to Philly on my iphone.
Thank you for all great recipes!
I can’t believe I might actually meet you.
I am a Smitten kitchen groupee and silent fan for a long time!!!
Deb – You really do rock! I made your wonderful challah for Shabbat – couldn’t wait for Rosh Hashana. I will be making another one tomorrow! I used fresh figs and added a few dates in the fig mix. It was amazing – and looked just gorgeous on the table. Thanks so much for this and so much more good eating. (The baked orzo and eggplant – also fantastic).
Thanks for this…Figs…olive oil…two things I can’t live without! How far in advance can I make the fig filling? Night before? Can I freeze it? Thanks much. Shana Tovah
David S. — You can actually make the fig filling almost a week in advance. A few days is better, but since it is from dried and quite preserved fruits, it keeps well in the fridge.
Charlie — No reason not to halve it. It will definitely bake faster.
Jack — I am sure other fillings could work.
THE DARIEN LIBRARY?! I LOVED that place when I was nannying in CT (11 years ago!) – I spent so much time there!
Ty for coming to Austin! Everyone seems to always skip us in favor of Dallas or Houston.
Hi Deb-
Shanah tovah! Thanks for the seasonal and festive recipe.
A big follower here with 4 young kids, I recently moved from San Francisco (Yay–you are coming there!) to the “east bay”, ie Berkeley/Oakland area–only 10 miles east. One thing that made the move easier for me was that the food culture in the east bay is even better than it is in SF. (i’m sure you’ve heard of a gal called Alice Waters….?) I see you are in SF, so why did your publisher not have you also visit Berkeley–just a thought for them (and you) going forward.
Also, for your trip, if you are bringing your sweet Jacob, there are TONS of SF readers who can give you advice about what to do with your little one here. If you have questions, let us know!
Good luck with your book tour. I hope to make it there, but with 4 littles, can’t say for sure!
Well, I was hoping for Detroit (I’m in Ann Arbor), but looks like no luck. If either the Chicago or Toronto events were on the weekend I could make it, but there’s just no way to make a 5 hour (10 roundtrip) drive on a weekday. Have a wonderful tour, though! I’m looking forward to the book.
This challah is amazing! I made it as a tribute to my dad (who passed away in January)… his challah was the best I’ve ever tasted. His was more traditional, but he would have loved the fig paste and the olive oil. I can hear his voice telling me not to eat the whole loaf by myself. This is going to become a tradition in our house for sure. Oh, and can’t wait for the whole cookbook!!!
I am over the moon you will be speaking at the Free Library in Philadelphia. See you there!
YAY! You’re coming to Austin! Book People is right across the street from the flagship 80k sq ft Whole Foods store. Hopefully you can visit it, it really is phenomenal (disclaimer- I work for WFM). But if you eat nothing else during your time in Austin, go to Franklin BBQ. It’s amazing, and quite famous. Bon Appetit called it the best BBQ in America, and that was actually underselling it.
Just made this gorgeous looking bread…so proud and grateful! All the best for your tour…dare i ask if you can wing it to India anytime soon??!!!
The Challah is wonderful!! I was a little scared making it. I’ve never made anything like this before. But, it turned out [almost] perfect!! I was so pleased with myself after actually managing to braid it correctly that I let out a little squeal of hysterical delight! Lol It went down very well with my dinner guests. Everyone was amazed at how it looked and it was delicious! I had a little left over which I did use to make french toast. I can confirm that it really does make the best french toast EVER! Especially with the ricotta (your recipe) and honey. I may even make the Challah on Christmas Eve, just so I can make french toast with it on Christmas morning….it is THAT GOOD! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!! I really hope Cincinnati is added to your book tour. I know a lot of people (including myself of course) would be very excited to see you there!!
OMG so excited that you are doing a book tour and stopping by Boston!!
Hi, saw this and loved it, and – sorry this is so wrong in so many ways, but so perfect – having made pork rillettes friday night, which were a little over salty – this has proved to be an amazing partner, not least to half a dozen of my daughters 20ish friends, who I swear ride by my house just in case it smells good – and this smelt heavenly. Thank you – and please head over to the UK!
Just made this for Rosh Hashanah! As if it wasn’t decadent enough to begin with, I spread a little goat cheese on top of the fig paste before rolling and sprinkled some thyme, in addition to the sea salt, over the egg wash. It smelled so good I can’t wait to eat it!!!
I’ve never seen this method of round braiding and it came out so perfectly that I’m going to steal this for every round challah in the future-thanks, as always, Deb!
Made this yesterday and it’s delicious and beautiful. Transferring the assembled challah to a pan is a bit challenging so I suggest trying to weave the challah on the parchment-covered pan you’re baking it on. My husband has already requested French toast with the leftovers… :)
Made it and loved it. I added a little more flour, but wasn’t sure if I should have — do you want the dough to clear the sides/bottom of the mixer?
Portland, Maine loves you too. Would be a quick trip up from Boston (2 hours door-to-door). I am making your apples and honey challah as we speak which I made last year — huge success. But can’t wait to try this intriguing recipe next time I make challah. Congrats on the book tour.
Made this today, and while it is not my most beautiful challah (The figs did some escaping from the bread) It smells delicious, and I can’t wait to taste it tonight.
You should come to St. Petersburg or Tampa, FL….this winter. I’ve also got children to entertain Jacob! I can’t wait for my book to arrive!
This is my first comment on your blog, though I’ve been following it for years. I made a version of this last night — used your fig filling in my favorite (and traditional) challah recipe and we absolutely loved it. What a wonderful idea for challah!
The Chicago stop is soooooo far away from Chicago. Please consider coming to Chicago proper. I will be happy to hold a signing party for you at my house near Wrigley field, this is a sincere offer.
Yay Yay Yay! I booked a ticket for my sister and I (early Christmas present)! I’m so glad you’re coming to Toronto!!!
Oh, I am so happy you are coming to Portland, Deb! I am looking forward to meeting you. Yours was the first food blog I followed, and I have made many of your recipes. I love the story that goes with every recipe and how much of your life you share with us. And the recipes come together just as you describe. I can’t count how many times I have made the caramel crack(ers). I roasted tomatoes today and we finished the baked orzo and eggplant for lunch.
I made this challah today and I am so pleased with It!! My yeast breads are generally heavy small lumps. This challah is so tall and bronzed, I can hardly wait to slice into it! Thanks for the great instructions and the pictures of the weaving technique–they made a huge difference.
FYI … Trader Joes makes Fig Butter now. Used that and doctored it up with fresh orange peel. YUM.
I made your apple and honey challah for the holiday. I want to try your fig and honey challah very soon. It looks delicious! Blessings and L’Shanah Tovah!
Deb I just made my first challah from this recipe. It’s gorgeous! It’s a teensy bit overcooked and the fig is not as beautifully layered as yours, but for a first go, I’m very happy. Thank you.
And if you come to the UK, I’ll be there (although a bit annoyed that I had your book on order and amazon has cancelled the order – guess it’s because it’s a different publisher?).
One more vote for Baltimore!!
I can’t believe you started off being afraid to cook without a recipe! It’s such a testament to how far you’ve come in your cooking talent. The pictures in this post are beautifully done–fantastically displayed tutorials and finished product pictures make me want to try this recipe out even more! Plus, this challah sounds ridiculously good as french toast. Great idea!
I don’t know whether I’m doing something wrong, but my initial dough does not look nearly as moist and smooth as yours does in the dough hook photo (mine is dry and crumbly). One batch I added an extra egg to after seeing how dry it was, the other batch I added extra oil to–not sure how they’ll turn out yet. Did I miss something?
This challah looks awesome, but I have to admit the weaving pattern seems pretty intricate/intimidating! The dollop of fresh ricotta sold me, though. This will be my first attempt at challah–I hadn’t even heard of it (I know, gasp) until I moved to Boston. I guess it’s immature, but I still say “Ain’t no challah back girl” in my head every time I eat it/think of it/see a sign for it. So glad you’re coming to Coolidge Corner–hope I can make it!
Shana Tova, Deb! I made the challah today with my daughters, aged 5.5 and nearly 8. They helped with almost every step. I showed them the beautiful pictures and got them interested; my older girl read the recipe to me, and I used the braiding part as a teachable moment for them: The braid of the challah represents the interconnectedness of all beings. We’re not afraid of multi-syllabic words. I’m not sure if that’s actually what a braided challah symbolizes, but it’s a good metaphor nonetheless. The challah turned out so well. I’m sad that I’m going to miss your Toronto Cookbook Store stop (I’ll be out of town), but glad I can tell you here how much my family and friends enjoy the fruits of your (our) labour! Hugs from Canada!
Come to Raleigh! Please!
Since you are already coming to Texas, I think you should come to Dallas!
I err… 10th the Dallas part of the tour! We love you here – and then I can tell my friends that I met the person who came up with the Roasted Buttermilk Chicken recipe. It’s a total hit; I have some soaking in the fridge right now, in fact. :)
Please come to Minnesota! We love you!
I’m sad that you’re not coming to Portland. I’d love to see you here! We’ve got Powell’s, the largest independent book store in the world!
I love your blog and have been introduced to so many recipes I wouldn’t have previously found.
Scratch that. I missed it when I read the list. I’ll be there!
Deb’s publishers please please please send her (and Jacob and Alex) to Australia. Sydney/Melbourne or Brisbane all work for me, I will travel! :)
Although I’m not surprised, I’m so happy to see you’re coming to Seattle! We’re honored to have you.
This bread looks amazing. And do know that we southeasterners would love to see you, too! Charlotte? Charleston? I’m there!
Just chiming in to request a book tour stop in Portland, Maine if ever the schedule allows! I know many mamas here who read your blog religiously who would love to meet you, and I bet you’d love our city’s award-winning restaurants and delicious, locally-produced ingredients, too… win-win, right?! :)
Good luck on the tour!!!
PS- if you do have interest in the Portland, ME market, please consider Longfellow Books (www.longfellowbooks.com/) or LeRoux Kitchen (www.lerouxkitchen.com)… both are wonderful little shops in our Old Port district with loyal followers!
Deb, you are such an inspiration to keep on baking and blogging. This recipe sounds divine.
Deb, I made this challah yesterday – it was my very first time making challah, so thank you for the inspiration! Mine came out fairly dense. As this is my first challah-making experience, I wondered if you could tell me if this was the intent of the recipe or if perhaps I did something wrong (ie. knead the dough too much, etc.). Thank you!
Stacey — Oh no! It shouldn’t be dense but it’s hard for me to say from here what went wrong. Maybe it needed to rise more? Did you feel like it was doubling in the correct time? It’s hard to knead the dough too much by hand but it is possible with a machine — though not terribly likely if you follow the times suggested here.
Tossing my hat in the ring for a Minneapolis stop. You’d love it here! We’re Minnesota Nice!
Another vote for Minneapolis! You’ll be such a bright spot during our long, cold, winter!
507 comments – WOW. Okay I didn’t read them all, but wanted to put a plug in for San Diego if it isn’t already mentioned. You have a huge fan base here as well. I shared your ricotta recipe with some friends, who shared it with other friends and well here we are! And it’s usually a race to see who makes your latest recipe first, but I have to say – this one may be my undoing.
Just chiming in with my friendly plea to come to Chicago! Someone above mentioned Women & Children First, and it really is an *awesome* bookstore if it’s doable. Deb’s Publisher, please make it (or something) happen! :)
Putting my 2 cents in for a stop in Colorado! :)
i was hoping you would be in Atlanta… now i’m looking through my travel schedule to figure out what to move around to catch you!!!
Made the Fig Challah….and it was fantastic. I followed the directions exactly. The fig paste is DELICIOUS, and your directions were easy to follow. I always let my dough rise longer than directions tell me to (I guess we keep it pretty cold in the house). I baked mine for 40 min – any less than that would’ve been underdone.
The flavor of this Challah is just barely sweet. It’s not nearly as sweet as, say, cinnamon rolls or a chocolate babka, or other sweet breakfast doughs. The fig paste is barely scented with orange, and just sweet enough to make it worthy of dessert (slathered with good butter for course, and maybe a drizzle of honey). I liked it best on day one (as with most breads). Will DEFINITELY be making this again, and again.
Delicious, thank you! I was looking for a new challah for the holiday and this fit the bill. The dough was a snap to work with, and the fig/sea salt combo is fantastic. This will definitely be a go to challah recipe for me.
This looks fantastic! Also, wanted to say congrats — I’ve been seeing your name everywhere, from the back page of Martha Stewart Living, to your recipe for Red Wine Velvet Cake in… Real Simple (I think). Oct. 30th cannot get here soon enough, and I’m looking forward to getting your signature when you visit Seattle.
Wow, that bread looks incredible! I LOVE the style of the pictures ;) I need to get your book stat!
Beautiful! I’m still shy about baking breads like this, but you make it seem so effortless…. Hope to see you at Omnivore in SF!
I had a strong resistance to this when I suggested it to my family (because they are all crazy). But I substituted apple butter with wonderful results. It was a great recipe and I loved your braiding method.
Woo-hoo Portland! Can’t wait. I so want my book to say “Hope you like the onesie!” Totally something I would do. I can’t talk and write at the same time.
Hi Deb,
This looks amazing. I can hardly wait to find time to try it as I love challah. I have a question: can you please come to Minneapolis? We are the land of 10,000 lakes, but I would call us the land of home cooks and bakers. We would love it if you could come. I read your blog religiously and have enjoyed many of the recipes, and would be first in line to have you sign my book.
Thank you Deb for this really special unique challa. I will need to practice my braiding technique (my husband thought the finished loaf looked like a turkey!)but we loved the bread (as well as the French toast, oh yum!). I have never made, eaten or seen any challa like this. It is not nearly as difficult to make as one would guess, very very impressive but surprisingly easy to put together. After braiding I wrapped and refrigerated it overnight, then the next morning, I let it sit out covered with a cotton dish-towel 2 hours before baking. Perfect rise, and so nice to be able to make-ahead. Many thanks and a sweet happy new year to you and your family.
Just another vote for a stop in the southeast. Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Charleston, SOMETHING! Pretty please??
i made this on sunday for my jewish bf and it was DIVINE. it was my first challah, i didn’t have a mixing machine, so i kneaded by hand, and still it was so easy and came out perfectly bronzed from the oven. the only thing i had a little trouble with was stretching the logs before braiding. mine kept springing back to their rolled out size! so my challah had fewer and thicker braids, but was still beautiful when it came out. i think next time i will try rolling out the dough to the length i want the ropes to be, so i can skip the stretching part. the only other change i made was instead of fig paste, i spread apple butter inside. my bf said it was the best challah he had ever tasted. THANK YOU! and can’t wait for your book launch in nyc! i’m a fellow manhattanite, and your blog has given me confidence that amazing food can come from even the tiniest of kitchens.
Yippee!! I’m putting Santa Cruz on my calendar. Altho, I’m going to say, I’m a bit nervous about you making it at 7:00, as it takes about 2 hours of fanatic driving to get from San Fran to Santa Cruz. And if you take the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), you’ll be sad you don’t have time to pause.
Waiting anxiously for my pre-order!
byLorilli — I am glad you can make it — and nervous for myself too! They assure me that there will be time, that Omnivore events only run an hour. Cross your fingers?
Anita — Can you send a screenshot? thesmitten/gmail. Thank you.
Hi Deb! Any word back on the Amazon.com November shipping date issue? If it’s helpful, I can email you a screenshot of what’s showing up under the ‘My Account’ tab. I’m guessing this is a wider issue than just me, but if not, I will cancel and buy a copy when I come out for your DC tour dates! Thanks!
i love, love, love everything you ever make. i am new to making breads, and when i saw this i thought “challenge accepted!!” i made it this weekend for my husband’s birthday and was so proud of how to looked and how it came out – thank you so much! french toast with the leftovers tomorrow, he can’t wait!
ps: i’m in the group that’s sad that you won’t be near me, but so so so excited for you and i can’t wait to get my preorder as well!
My 8 year old daughter and I are making this right now. So far so good!
We would LOVE to see you in London… so tell your publisher the demand is there and it s a great foodie city to inspire you for the next one!!
What a beautiful challah! Your braiding skills are stellar! I must try this recipe.
I knew your book tour wouldn’t be coming to Laos in South East Asia where I’m currently living, but I was very excited to see that you’ll be visiting my parents’ public library in the Chicago suburbs. They are planning to attend and have strict instructions to buy your book for me and get it signed. Even though I didn’t use this recipe for my Rosh Hashanah challah, I used your circular braiding technique and it came out beautifully. When making your mom’s apple cake recipe on Sunday I was thinking how good it would taste with other fruit, so tonight I’m going to try a mango version.
Wish I could post the picture of my (your) challah. It was glorious. Our guests included someone from the French Pastry School here in Chicago– and she loved it!
I didn’t notice that you said “dried” figs until I was in the process, so I used fresh figs plus some dates. Yum. My first dough didn’t rise (I think it was the yeast temp), but the second was perfect. For the reader intimidated by the braiding–this was the easiest braid I’ve ever done!
Deb–Would your publisher think outside the box? It seems so limiting just to have a signing at a book store. This is huge foodie town, with lots of food related opportunities here. For instance, On Sept. 28-30, we have Chicago Gourmet in Millenium Park (chicagogourmet.org), with food, wine, demos, book signings, etc. Or…the One of A Kind Show is Dec. 6-9. Thousands of people come each day, and there’s a fancy food section. It’s held in the Merchandise Mart, which also happens to hold The Chopping Block, a gourmet retail store and cooking school. Passers-by can look in the windows and envy those cooking!
I baked this challah for Rosh Hashanah. I had never made challah before. It was absolutely fabulous and looked gorgeous. I did need to add additional liquid (used about 1/2 cup more oj) to the dried figs as I simmered them for about 30 min. until they were tender. Perhaps mine were more coarsely chopped. I was challenged by the weaving process. However my boyfriend, who never bakes, saved the day. It made sense to him and he did it very easily. Thank you for the recipe. This will definitely become a Rosh Hashanah tradition.
Oh Deb, you are a genius! This bread just makes me want to cry…
I have never posted anything on a blog before, with that being said I made your challah bread yesterday. You. Are. Awesome. It is amazing. Problem is I could eat it all in one day. Wondering if it freezes well? May have to make another to find out because this one is just about gone!
This is the best news ever! November just immediately got more awesome. See you in DC! (And I can’t wait to try that challah.)
Deb! Congrats on the tour. I live here in Dallas and I am so bummed you won’t be adding that to your Texas tour :o( Also, I can pretty much PROMISE your editors you will have a huge showing in either SLC or Denver. I know so many people there that LOVE you, and both cities that have a GREAT local “foodie” network.
On another note, I grew up in So. Flo. and my school was 90% Jewish. When I moved to So. Cal. for high school, I was in culture shock with no menorah’s in the grocery stores! Challah is something I miss from that culture. I am new to baking ‘yeast’ breads and Challah always seems so intimidating. I have decided I WILL bake one of these options. Thanks for making it always seem so “do-able”!
Just so you know, I am one of those people you make fun of–oh, you know–I pin photos of my baking projects on Pinterest! But that’s OK; I give you permission to make fun of me all you want as long as you keep recipes like this one coming! This challah was the best I have ever eaten, much less the best I have ever baked.
My son made this challah the other day. It was delicious. Of course all your recipes are great. Happy New Year!
Deb, I just pre-ordered your book on the indigo online store. I’m so excited for it! I can’t wait till you come to canada, T.O. welcomes you!
I made this challah this weekend for Rosh Hoshanah dinner. O.M.G. It was gone in 5 minutes!
Is 2 1/4 teaspoons the correct amount of yeast? I made it with this amount and my bread did not rise at all! Perhaps my yeast is bad?
Your recipe for ‘best challah’ has 1 1/2 TABLESPOONS of yeast for 8 1/2 C flour. This seems to be quite a different ratio compared to this recipe. But your recipe for ‘apple and honey challah bread’ calls for 2 1/4 tsp like this one. I’m a bit confused. HELP!
correction RE: the above comment. My mistake, the ratios actually seem to be similar. It must be my yeast that’s the problem.
My friend Becca surprised me with this challah on Rosh Hashanah — it was amazing! Thank you for the recipe and inspiration :)
I made this challa for Rosh Hashana dinner and it was literally GONE in 60 seconds. I LOVE YOU! I’m so sad to be missing your tour date in Los Angeles :(
Deb, please come to Montreal! Its such a food oriented city, and we would love to have you. I know a lot of people who would be ecstatic and I even have the perfect venue. I know its a long shot, but I would be remiss if I didn’t try :)
Just enjoyed making this beautiful bread. I gathered the ingredients for two, knowing I would bake another the next day. Congratulations and thank you for this deliciousness!
I am a faithful follower of your site and will definitely be purchasing a book. I may even get it signed as you are scheduled for Austin. Today alone, I churned out your favorite chocolate chip cookies, chocolate toffee cookies, and blueberry crumble bars for care packages. I had a slightly off-topic question. Who manufactures those adorable glass ramekins pictured above or what store carries them? Thanks
Will it seem like I’m stalking you if I come to all of your Chicago events? I promise to bring different friends to each one.
Another Chicago location suggestion: I’d love to see you demo and sign at Green City Market in Chicago. It’s our premier farmer’s market and the one that Alice Waters calls “the best sustainable market in the country.” (She’s just one of the cookbook authors who has done signings there.) By November, Green City Market, which is located on the near north side of Chicago, much more downtown than Lincoln Square, will be held indoors on Saturday mornings. So, excellent day of the week for anyone coming from another locale, an excellent location for public transit commuters, and an excellent opportunity for you—a foodie trifecta of sorts. You can find out more about the market at http://www.chicagogreencitymarket.org/.
P.S. For our Yom Kippur break fast, I’m making your challah, my husband is making your fresh ricotta, and as you suggested we’re going to drizzle it with honey (local, of course).
Thanx a LOT for grams!
I love your recipies, now you made my life easier :)
Deb – regarding my slightly-dense challah – now that you mention it, I didn’t think the dough doubled in size during the time allotted, but as a novice bread maker I wasn’t sure if i should let it keep rising or not so I opted for not. I also used instant yeast… would that make a difference? THanks!
Stacey — Instant yeast could absolutely be the culprit; it is not the same as Active Dry. Instant yeast, despite its confusing name, actually works much more slowly than active dry yeast. The term “instant” refers to the fact that you can throw it right into your dough; it doesn’t need to be proofed first in a warm liquid. It was designed for use with bread machines, that often run in longer cycles so can do slower rises.
Regan — Thank you. The ramekins are actually little Duralex drinking glasses.
Em — It’s pretty dense but very moist.
NO FAIR NO FAIR NO FAIR!
Ahem. The Book Larder is a fabulous *little* space, but I was really hoping you’d be somewhere much larger, like Third Place Books, so more than a handful of people could see you. Plus, there’s no parking in Fremont.
Please come down to Charlotte, NC! Congratulations on the book. It looks beautiful…can’t wait to get mine, and gift one to my sister too. You deserve all the best. Your blog has inspired and motivated me to cook more and try different things I never would have thought I liked before. Thank you!
This was amazing! I’m still trying to lose the weight I gained from eating nearly half the loaf in one sitting. :)
I am so depressed that I cannot come to your Toronto stop…but I will still buy your book!
This Challah was amazing!! I made it for Rosh Hashanah and am now making this challah for my cousin’s bat mitzvah next weekend. Question: do you think I can make other fillings from other dried fruits? Apples? Cherries? would you do the same proportions?
I am thrilled that you will be at the Cookbook Store in Toronto. It is a lovely, small space and so friendly! I hope you enjoy your visits to Toronto and Vancouver. You should see if you can fit Ottawa and Montreal in as well.
I have to add my vote for Atlanta… The South loves you! P.S. loved seeing you in this month’s issue of Imbibe!
I cheated and used my bread maker on dough cycle to make the dough, but unlike the normal directions where you put the yeast in last, it didn’t work. I mixed the yeast and water as you suggested and then added it to the wet ingredients and followed with dry, turned it on and 1.5 hours later, beautiful dough that turned into a beautiful challah. I can’t wait to eat it, but it just came out of the oven. I looks just like the picture. Thank you for sharing this. P.S. I also made the orzo, eggplant and mozzarella…OMG…delicious.
Hi, Deb — I’m a longtime reader and I was relieved to see that Powell’s in Portland is among your list of tour stops. If you are going to do a demonstration, I vote for a repeat of Project Wedding Cake! ;-) Whenever I consider taking on some daunting (but usually exciting cooking challenge) I immediately think of what you went through during that amazing effort. I’m pretty sure I could produce such a thing as well but my big worry would be whether I could survive the stress and anxiety of taking on something of such significance.
I’m so pleased with the success you’ve achieved through the pursuit of your passion and that you’ve been able to abandon your more conventional office job. During the early days of your blog I always felt a bit sad that you were toiling away at something rather mundane in comparison to what you were obviously capable of doing. And the fact that you are able to spend so much time at home with your sweet little Jacob is just icing on the wonderful cake of life.
Many kudos to you, Deb!
-Karen
Karen — You made me sniffly. I always remember how unhappy I was, because I was never doing work I loved. I’ve gotten very lucky since! Project Wedding Cake — ha! If only I could stay the full week it would require in Portland!
Angela — Yeah, it probably didn’t work because bread machines use Instant or Rapid-Rise Yeast, which does not need to be proofed so can be tossed in with the rest of the ingredients. I don’t use it as often in recipes because I find that it takes longer to make things rise (most people using bread machines expect things to take a few hours so ease — not having to pre-proof — is placed at a premium over speed).
Sonja — I am sure other fruits would work. When baking with dried fruit, I recommend plumping it first in a warm liquid so it doesn’t plump itself from the moisture in the bread, leaving the bread more dry.
Wow, I remember way back before Jacob, I remember your “hidden” announcement and the months leading up to his birth, and now you’re doing book tours. I’m so impressed and so happy this has worked out for you!
longtime follower and YAY!! congratulations on the book tour! here’s to hoping you pass through the midwest (st.louis to be more exact)!
As always, I am so excited to try the recipes you post! This is my first time making challah and I have quite a few fig leaks and my braid arms were short and stubby. I think I probably need to roll the rectangle out bigger….what thickness am I looking for at this step? Thank you! And ps: your blog always bring such and excitement and happiness to my day : )
Hi Antonella — You’re trying to make the log as wide as you can on your counter, or if your counter is really big, as wide as feels comfortable (i.e. maybe arm width). Half of that should give you a good length for each rope. If it didn’t this time, go a little wider next time.
First off, what a beautiful loaf of bread! Second off, I can’t wait to try it… it not only looks beautiful, it sounds delicious!
My boyfriend wandered into the kitchen while my loaf was on its second rise, took one look at it, actually stepped back, and stammered “You MADE that?!” Slam dunk!
I am making 14 Challahs for my cousin’s daughter’s bat mitzvah this Saturday so I tried some other dried fruits combinations – your dough makes some beautiful loafs!!!! Using only dried fruits as you suggested, I made sour cherry/orange (zest), Apricot/ Date, and Apple/cinnamon. I hope everyone asks me where I got the recipe so I can point them to your blog!!!!
I’ve made this bread twice now, never having made bread before. I’m not sure if it’s the type of yeast i used, but the first time I only waited an hour for it to rise, as opposed to waiting for the bread to double in size. As a result, it was a little dense. The second time, I waited more like two hours and the dough truly doubled, and the resulting bread was much more light. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi anita — What kind of yeast did you use?
I did have a little trouble stretching to dough, though, as it was very elastic. I maybe got to two feet, maybe two and a half. Definitely not three. Still turned out beautifully, but wasn’t quite as woven as yours.
Wow. This came out excellent. Another amazing recipe from you! I will make this every year. Thanks for posting it. Looking forward to the book!
My second edition of your challah is in its first-rise stage:) First one was superb and I was inspired to use up a fig/pistachio “compote/jam” I preserved when the figs were sliding off my parents tree in August. Today I am making the challah with a low sugar plum jam (yes the plums also fresh-shaken off a friend’s tree:)). Thank you for inventing such a fabulous use for jams. Am going to try blueberry jelly next time. I am optimistic that any spreadable fruit perserve will work.
Hi Deb! This is my first time commenting, but I’ve been reading for a while and am always inspired/excited to try everything you post. I made this challah for my family’s yom kippur break fast yesterday and it was a huge hit. I had a thought though, when I read a comment or two above about the dough being too dry/too sticky: I tried adding the flour a cup (or less) at a time instead of all at once and didn’t end up using the last 1/4 cup or so. Different flours definitely absorb different amounts of water! This method might work better for those who had trouble with the moisture content of their dough.
Also, my sister and I are very excited for your Philadelphia stop! Congratulations on the book!
Oetker Yeast Levure, 7g packet.
I know it’s out of your control, but I’d love to throw a vote in for you to visit San Diego, CA! We have a huge food and food blogging community and we all adore you, Deb. You’d be a smash!
I had the same problem anita did! Just made it, and only let dough rise an hour, and it came out rather dense – but delicious. The fig paste is excellent. Will give it a bit more rising time next time – and there will be a next time. Oh btw pulled it from the oven an hour ago and 3/4 loaf gone. I used Fleishermann’s Rapid Rise yeast.
Thought this might be a little too adventurous for my meat-and-potatoes-and-raisin-challah family at Rosh Hashanah, so I made your apple-and-honey challah on RH… huge hit! Then, returned home itching to make this one. O.M.G. Made it for Yom Kippur break fast (alongside your roasted tomato soup with broiled cheddar lids)… just the hubby and I. So, so incredible! I think you’ve spoiled me forever for lesser challahs :) Can’t wait for your Philadelphia stop. Thanks as always for the awesomeness!
enhorabuena!! congratulations!!
i can not wait until your book is released! i found your food blog about 3 years ago while i was living abroad and missing home… your brownie recipes not only eased the homesickness but made me very popular with co-workers :)
nothing would make me happier than to be at one of the Chicago-area book signings, but i’ll also keep my fingers crossed for Kansas City to make the winter/spring 2013 tour!
thanks for all of the beautiful fotos, delicious recipes and wonderful stories <3
My roommate and I LOVED this. It was gone within a day. I look forward to seeing you in Boston.
Thanks for sharing your gift!
Directions say: Roll the dough into a long, tight log, trapping the filling within. Then gently stretch the log as WIDE as feels comfortable (I take mine to my max counter width, a pathetic three feet), and divide it in half. Repeat with remaining dough and fig filling. [emphasis mine]
I just can’t envision this meaning anything other than that I’m supposed to stretch the log to increase its length, not its width. Correct?
Hi Deb, I’m really not trying to plug myself for an advertisement but as someone who loves to make bread, you HAVE TO know about this Hokkaido milk toast I recently discovered!! It’s the most dreamy, moist, stringy and chewy toast you’ll ever have! better than loaf of white bread or brioche in my opinion. Not gonna insert a link but it’s on the blog.
I made this specifically for making french toast. Substituted the fig filling for some jarred fig/balsamic spread I had on hand. Turned out great and made for the tastiest breakfast this weekend. Thanks for the recipe!
801 recipes in 6 years! And now a book tour! Congratulations!!!
Question and compliment! :-)
Dear Deb, this was the first bread I made in my life and it turned out AWESOME, like every one of your recipes that I’ve ever tried! I was sooooo proud! I LOVE your page! I’ve seen some people asking about other fillings for this bread, and I see it’s OK to try something different from the figs, but I have no idea of what would yield equal sweetness and texture, and no idea on how to make a different filling. I’m an amateur in the kitchen, but would love to try other versions of this bread, I just love to eat it by ripping the layers apart!
Do you have any tips on how to choose and make another filling??
Thank you so much!
Hi Cy — I think dates would be wonderful here too.
I’ve been wanting to try this recipe ever since I first saw it. I was at a friend’s kitchen and had the chance to cook challah but had to work with what was available. Being inspired by you, I infused the dough with cardamom, fennel seeds, and anise seeds, and rolled the dough with strawberry jam inside. Then I dusted the top with the same spices and an egg wash. The whole fig, olive oil, sea salt thing definitely needs to be done, but I thought my makeshift creation was quite tasty. Thanks for the inspiration!
Well, if you ever have time, it would be great to see you in Santa Fe! Though high altitude baking is a different beast. Debating making either the challah bread or pumpkin cinnamon rolls today. Decisions, decisions….
hummmm, you are SO right!! Thank you so much for your answer!! I also saw a recipe using Poppy Seeds, honey and Cinnamon! I wanna try all of them! Have a wonderful weekend, honey! :-D
This is sooooo good. It’s depraved! You have to roll the dough pretty thin. I also tried this with a filling of sweetened onions, fried just until soft, added some poppy seeds (kind of wht is on top of bialys, and put poppy seeds on top. Another personality, but really, really good! Thanks for a great recipe!
Can’t wait to meet you at Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks in Vancouver,BC!
Hi Deb – I know you are super busy with a new book and a book tour (congratulations, by the way! I’ve got my e-book copy and can’t wait to explore a real life version when I get it for Christmas!), but I just had to share what I just made with you.
I have a friend who is allergic to dairy (the poor thing) and I was thinking about how delicious this fig, olive oil and sea salt challah is and how it is dairy free and then started thinking of all the other things I could swirl into challah… and decided to try a cinnamon sugar and maple challah so my dairy-free friend could have ‘cinnamon rolls’. I swapped the honey with pure maple syrup and used 1/4 muscovado sugar, 1/2 cup normal brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon for the filling. Divided the dough into four so I could seal all the cinnamon sugar goodness into each part of the braid (some still leaked out) and baked it as normal… and oh my goodness. It is amazing. And my friend is over the moon. All thanks to your challah recipe. Brilliant. Much love from the other side of the world.
I have a lot of questions/thoughts. First, I can’t wait for your Philadelphia stop.
Second, I *think* I’m going to take this on for Thanksgiving. I’m basically a bread novice, aside from your pizza dough, which I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with. Do you think a novice can handle this beauty? (FYI, a non-novice breadmaking friend made this for a dinner party and it was FAN-tastic!)
Third, why AP flour (vs. bread flour)? (I’m confused re: bread flour)
Fourth, assuming I do make it for thanksgiving, we are traveling to the in-laws, so I’d like to pre-prep as much as possible a day or two ahead of time, and bake it fresh at their place. Could I assemble the whole thing a day ahead of time and refrigerate? (If so, would I do the 2nd hour rise after I take it out of the fridge/before baking? Or would I get a slow 2nd rise in the fridge?) Could I assemble and freeze (if so, I assume I would have to defrost and THEN allow for 2nd hour rise?)?
I made this for Thanksgiving yesterday and it got rave reviews. It was decided that this recipe is our new Thanksgiving tradition – goodbye dinner rolls!
When I brought this in for Thankgiving dinner yesterday someone looked at it and said “Is that the Fig Challah? That’s why I’m here.” It was met with rave reviews once we started eating it too! Definitely making this again (I need to get better at the braiding).
My dad had never had Challah before and after I made this he ate half the loaf. I feel like that sentiment is enough; it’s his way of gastronomically giving you a high 5. My boyfriend’s Jewish family loves me almost more than their own children soley based on my Challah, rugelach and their over-all previously-dessert-deprived existence.
Dear Deb,
I am new to you and your cookbook, which is LOVELY, and I am a novice baker in my free time. I also live at elevation (6,200 ft) which I find challenging sometimes (well, really all the time!). I did not have the fortune of being raised with a family that valued baking or cooking, and would maybe never have thought myself worthy of trying if it hadn’t been for my stepmother. We never got along very well but we were always able to bond over food programs such as Jacque and Julia, Barefoot Contessa, Everyday Italian, etc. She got me initially excited about food and continues to instill confidence in my growing practice. I have never tried something as “advanced” as this recipe, mostly because I find baking breads to be the most daunting in general, though having a stand mixer alleviates this fear a bit :) A couple questions re: this challah recipe, which I made last night and really liked!. I, too, share an obsessive quality in following a recipe, and so. . here goes nothing:
1) I love challah breads for their richness. . but wondering if I could up the “richness factor” a bit, so it tastes more like an “eggy” challah? Would this be achieved by adding a 3rd egg, or an egg yolk??
2) I could not find flaked sea salt in the grocery store :(, so instead I bought coarse sea salt. . what is your reasoning for flaked? Is it the weight of the salt? When i took my first bite of this bread, the first thing I tasted was salt. So I did brush a few of the salt granules off the finished product. Which is GORGEOUS by the way.
3) As a novice baker, what happens to the dough if kneaded for 5 minutes vs. 8? My co-worker laughed AT me when I read that part of the recipe instructions and said, “knead for 5 to 8 minutes?!?! That is a large time difference there!” . . yes, I am a total precision nut. :) I decided on 7 minutes, and while I don’t find the bread to be dense, I am curious if kneading it for a shorter or longer period would affect how airy/light the end result will be? And in this vein, does the length of time the yeast is left to ferment affect the amount/size of bubbles present in the bread?
4) When you said to add S&P to the fig mixture to taste, I (unsurprisingly) went a touch too heavy with the salt. So I decided to add a splash of Almond Extract. This did help to alleviate the slightly salty taste. . but wondering if you think that is a good flavor addition?
5) Finally, I used fresh squeezed Orange Juice instead of OJ from a carton. . thoughts on that? Is it better to use processed OJ instead?
Thanks for listening. . sorry for the novel! I can’t wait for my next endeavor from your book. .
Best,
Kate
Kate — I am so glad you’re enjoying the book. You can definitely try adding another yolk or two for additional richness, you might only need to adjust back the liquid slightly. Flaked sea salt is my favorite for texture (it’s like and flaky, not coarse and crunchy). Flaked weighs much less so if using a coarse salt, you’d want to use less. (Sorry you found out the hard way!) If kneading by hand, I would not skimp on the kneading. If kneading in a machine… well, there’s no reason to! It won’t be *bad* bread if not kneaded as long, just not as delightful in texture as it could be. OJ from a carton is just fine!
I had the same question as Kate: 5) Finally, I used fresh squeezed Orange Juice instead of OJ from a carton. . thoughts on that?
With fresh squeezed orange juice, just use the same amount?
Just use the same amount of OJ.
Hi Deb,
I am loving your cookbook!! I have a quick question. I am making this for Christmas breakfast but don’t think I’ll be able to get it done in time that morning. So I plan to keep the dough in the fridge overnight. Should I do the initial rise and weave the dough before putting it in the fridge? Then how long would I leave it to sit in the morning before baking it? I can’t wait to make it, but don’t want to screw it up! Thanks!!
Hi Tara — You can pause the dough in the refrigerator at any time. However, I think the ideal time for this bread might be right after you’ve formed it. Put it in the fridge overnight on its tray, covered loosely with oiled plastic. In the or whenever it is needed in the next 24 hours, let it finish “puffing” a bit out of the fridge and bake it.
Yeow!
600 comments and counting. Leave it to smitten K to have just the challah recipe I was looking for… To adapt to a recipe I was about to ” conceive” for Food52. thinking leeks and olives in the bread dough… Your braid technique is brilliant, of course. If you meet a fan by the name of Vivian in the Ann Arbor area… That’s me.
Hi Deb,
Thank you so much for the tip! I ended up making this bread for both my family and my in-laws and it was a huge hit both times! I weaved it the night before as per your instructions and it turned out heavenly. The lemon bars and short ribs were also a huge hit. I seem to be using your cookbook on a daily basis. Thanks again!
Just to tell you, i made this challah for my Personal Trainer’s birthday and he loved it so much he hugged me and gave me the session free!
This was super delicious! It came out fluffy and flavorful, probably the most successful bread baking project I’ve ever accomplished. I substituted homemade date paste for the figs, which aren’t in season right now, and sprinkled sugar in the raw on top instead of sea salt (to complement the sweetness of the dates). WOW! And so beautiful too! Thanks for the inspiration.
Just finished my breakfast – two slices of challah with butter – and while marvelling how excellent it was, I thought – well, why don’t you let Deb know? So here it is – I thought you’d be happy to know that your book made it to Poland :) I received it for Christmas – what a great surprise it was! And yesterday I made the challah, it rose nicely and came out of the oven queite impressive :) And now I’m sitting at work, in front of my computer, looking at the last challah crumbs and wishing I had more…
Hmm! I am so excited to try this…but it’s been in the oven for the last 45 minutes, and I just put it in for an extra 10! I don’t know what the deal is, but it’s just not baking through to the center. I’ve never had this problem before, and I’m baffled. Anyone else? Anyone?
It smells amazing though. I am so hungry right now.
As a side note, I didn’t have enough figs on hand, so I made a fig-apricot paste and used up all my nasty old dried fruit! We’ll see how it tastes. Heavenly, I’m sure.
Emily — With breads especially, baking times are really estimates. Your bread could have puffed more or ended up bigger (taller) after weaving than mine or your oven could run cooler than mine… the variables are endless. Reduce the temperature and keep baking it until it is done.
Hi Deb, Thank you so so much for sharing your lovely recipes! I made this last night, and although my terrible oven completely burnt the bottom of it, after cutting this bit off, it was DELICIOUS! I can’t wait to make it again to share with my mum. I also look forward to practicing my plaiting – my husband just laughed at last night’s effort, though he loved the finished product:-) I also made your squash & farro salad last week for lunch with a friend (who is not good with gluten, but can eat spelt) – she said it was delicious, and my husband who finished it off that evening also loved it, especially the vinaigrette. I’d never tried farro before, but loved its crunchiness. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and lovely recipes! (I did find one thing not 100% clear in the recipe above – how should I raise it the second time – should it have cling film on it, or a towel / wet towel? This didn’t cause me any problems though!
this looks fantastic. I am just dying to try this same method but with a tomato sauce/green olive filling. i know it sounds super weird but it’s a really common filling here in burekas (savory pastries with different fillings). do you think that would be just as successful? have you thought of/made challah with other savory fillings?
jj — I’m more concerned about the wetness of those ingredients. Green olives should be fine. But I think a wet sauce would keep it from baking well in the center. Burekas usually use a flaky dough, right?
Yep it is! I was wondering the same thing.. how to thicken the tomato sauce.. Or maybe even a sun dried tomato paste. Iguess i have some experimenting to do this weekend :)
I just made this bread last night and it was so perfect and beautiful! I am keeping some leftovers aside for French Toast tomorrow morning. I made my filling with prunes instead of figs, and it still turned out wonderfully. It was fun to make and beautiful despite my crummy braiding skills– my husband guessed that it was a giant pretzel when he saw it before baking. Thank you so much for another wonderful and tasty recipe!
Hi Deb:
I love this recipe and have made it twice. However, each time, my crust has ended up very crunchy and dry. The center of the bread is still soft and moist. Any suggestions for what I might be doing wrong?
Janice — When the outside becomes overcooked before the center is, it can help to try a reduced baking temperature. If the issue is the bottom of the loaf scorching, you might want to double or triple-up your baking pans for a thicker base that distributes heat better.
Deb – Thank you for sharing this recipe! I saw the post then had a chance to see you speak at Quail Ridge books in Raleigh a few weeks later! The book event and recipe was such a treat. I made the challah and posted it on my own food blog here: http://voilawithemily.com/2013/03/17/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/.
Thanks again and good luck on the rest of your book tour!
Oh this challah is just to die for! The flavors are wonderful, and the loaf looks so beautiful. I’ve only ever made challahs with a regular braid before, never round, but your instructions made it so easy, and it turned out beautifully! Thank you for the amazing recipe! I’m hoping my family can restrain themselves so there is some leftover for french toast in the morning.
tried to make this today however i followed the exact measurements (double checked with weight for the flour) and it turned into a stiff hard dough that the kitchen aid could not even kneed with the dough hook attachment. Any idea what went wrong?
Hi Lilly — I have no idea! I wish I could help. You’re sure you got the water and all the liquids in there?
I’ve started making this with 1.5 of whole wheat flour and 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour. It’s not dense at all, but I find it makes it a lot more filling.
Success! I’m sorry for wasting your time, i narrowed down the problem… it turns out that my ‘exact’ weight measurements were done on a scale with very nearly dead batteries giving me the wrong weight. But now i know that the weight measurement equals to about 2 1/2 cups flour per my measuring cups, looks like i should invest in some new ones! Thank you for your speedy response, I remade the dough and it turned out great, I was wondering how long it would be safe to keep in the fridge unbaked? Thank you and sorry again
I just made this over the weekend with two of my friends and it turned out wonderfully. The loaf looks so impressive when it’s done, but I found it really simple to make (I do a lot of baking). There’s more commentary and pictures on my blog, but suffice to say, I am dying to experiment with other fillings (blueberry! cherry!)
Hi Deb! I made this challah in February and it was so delicious! I’m planning to make it for Rosh Hashanah for my boss. Do you have any recommendations on how to present it as a gift? What would be the best way to wrap it? Thanks!
Just finished reading like 516 comments on your “AMAZING” looking honey cake!!can’t wait to try it! Now I made it to 85 plus a few here but can’t do anymore! My question is does it matter which type of dried fig one uses?? ie Calimyrna figs, or Mission which type would be best and is it ok to double the recipe or best one challah at a time? Yum yum I can almost taste it! Wonderful great recipe :)
You should use any dried fig you like the flavor of. I used calimyrna, but mostly because they’re readily available here. Enjoy!
I love this Challah recipe, although I can’t find figs in the stores near me but dates have worked as a tasty sub! I have even filled it with blueberry compote before, the bread dough is such a good vessel for flavours.
Okay, I made your apple and honey challah last year and LOVED it, so I think I’m ready to take the plunge with this. Question about doubling (or even quadrupling?) the recipe – I’d love to get four loaves out of this. Would I quadruple everything in the recipe, including the yeast and how much honey it needs to grow? Or would I quad everything BUT the yeast and that has a different measurement? It also occurs to me that I can make my loaves smaller than yours and just double it. Any insight would be appreciated! To me baking challah is too much work to just get one loaf out of it! Shana tova to you and yours.
Tamara — This makes quite a big loaf, even though it’s a standard size recipe. If you don’t want four BIG loaves, you might triple everything then divide that by four. All the measurements should be tripled or quadrupled, whichever you choose.
Made this today and it turned out great! Strands started to tear as I was rolling them out though. Suggestions to avoid that?
Thank you, Deb! Can’t wait to give it a try.
Deb, I love your site, and your cookbook (which I have been steadily working my way through…the recipes are coming out beautifully and reliably, which is to me the sign of a GREAT cookbook). I would like to divvy this recipe into two smaller loaves (so I can give one away…I can’t smell it baking and not eat SOME of it)…what would you recommend as cooking time for half-sized loaves?
Tracy — It’s almost impossible for me to guess the baking times of halved loaves without making them, but I do think you’ll find them to still be a nice size, so I’m all for it! I’d start looking in at 25 minutes, and then every 5 minutes after that.
I am putting this in the oven soon. I increased the recipe by 50% and made two loaves. I decided to leave the figs unpureed, as I like chunks of fruit in my bread. The first loaf I put together ended up quite a mess, as the logs tore a lot (as happened to tamara at comment 635), so I ended up with a two-strand twisted challah instead of a braided one. For the second loaf, I rolled out very long, thin rectangles, and only put the filling halfway up to ensure a complete layer of fig-free dough on the outside of the log. This went better, but I only ended up with long enough strands for one braid crossing after the initial middle crossing. My conclusions:
1. This has to be made as a large loaf both to allow the proper dough-to-filling ratio and to have enough dough (reducing the amount of dough while keeping the ratio the same doesn’t work too well);
2. Pureeing the fig filling is important to allow stretching without tearing;
3. Roll out as wide a rectangle as possible before filling to minimize stretching (and thus tearing), as other people have mentioned.
I’m an experienced bread and challah baker, but I’ve never made a stuffed challah; it’ll definitely take more practice! Hopefully the filling that escaped won’t burn too badly.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this delicious recipe & helping contribute to the success of our Hebrew School Rosh Hashanah bake sale! We baked & sold Fig, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Challah. They were not only delicious, but also BEAUTIFUL! Also, we used your apple cake recipe (Mom’s Apple Cake). Divided the apple cake batter into 1/2 and baked in disposable 9×5 tins — we received many compliments! So thanks, again! And Happy New Year.
Just wanted to say thanks again for sharing this recipe, Deb. Some mornings, like today, I just wake up with the overwhelming desire to make this beautiful challah! I originally tried it with the figs but then, because I can never just follow a recipe without changing SOMETHING I made it with dried apricots and I haven’t gone back. I’ve even made it with lemon and honey when I didn’t have an orange in the house!
Hi Deb! I made this for Rosh Hasanah and I felt like a rockstar baker. I am thinkinh about doing the same for thanksgiving in honor of Hannukah but am thinking about a pumpkin filling. I am guessing I will do something with a canned purée and spices- any thing else I should try to thicken it with?
I made this with apricots instead of figs and it was absolutely great! I had a hard time rolling out the strands without the filling seeping out the sides though. I can’t wait until I’m able to make it the way it’s posted here.
@Lara I made it with apricots and finely minced sage. Yum!
If I wanted to put the dough in the fridge overnight, would I do so before the braiding and second rise? Or after the braiding? (And then let it come to room temp and bake?)
Rhianna — You could do it at either time. I might just do it after braiding.
Hi. Deb.. I’ve tried to make this recipe three times, and I’ve had the same trouble each time. I prep the yeast mixture with warm water and honey and mix it with the eggs and honey. I add the salt and Flour and mix with a bread hook for 5 Minutes… And the dough comes out like a stiff pie dough and doesn’t rise. It is stiff and can’t easily be rolled out. It looks nothing like the wet dough you show in your picture.
Any suggestions on what I’m doing wrong?
Adam
Hi Adam — Can I ask how you measure your flour or do you weigh it? If you’re scooping and packing cups in, you’ll end up with a lot more flour than most recipe-writers intend. (I use 125 gram cups, which are definitely on the light side — I scoop-and-sweep or fluff-and-sweep.) Not to be accusatory, of course, I just want to start troubleshooting so I can help.
This was unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy! At first, the directions intimidated me, but the vast majority of the baking process is idle (risings and things) and the braiding directions were such a cinch (it took less than 5 minutes to roll out the supple dough, add the filling, and braid!)
Everyone was really impressed by this, and I think it will be a regular at every holiday and Shabbat table. Not to mention–it was just awesome this morning for breakfast. We toasted it and put a little goat cheese, honey, and a dash of sea salt on top. Just perfect.
I am going to try a mix-up mash-up between this recipe and your recent one for cranberry-orange breakfast buns. I’m going to try to make a cranberry paste with cranberry, orange zest and brown sugar. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear. I’ll try to remember to let you know how it turns out. I make your regular challah and your apples and honey challah recipes all the time! Thanks for these wonderful recipes and the inspiration.
I have no idea why it took me so long to finally bake this, but it is amazing!! It was entirely too big for just the two of us, but that worked out even better because we used the leftovers to make french toast the next day. I honestly do not know what I preferred, the fresh baked amazingness or the super eggy toast. Thank you!!
I’m waiting for it to cool right now. Torture.
so i love this recipe and have made it 6 times. i have braided in artichoke hearts instead of figs, and I want to try the apple version, but i usually make it plain and love it. ANYWAY, I always throw all the ingredients into the bread machine to mix the dough and rise, then pull out and weave and let rise again. HOWEVER, twice i have ruined it by not adding water because it isn’t in the ingredients list. that is a total pet peeve of mine. why not list water in the ingredients so we can measure it all out and have it ready to go? just a suggestion for people like me who bookmark recipes online and reference them over and over. having many young kids, I like that i can just toss ingredients into the machine and it mixes my dough and lets it rise. But I guess i just need to write this one down, add into my recipe book and remember to include water in the list (i’ll do it now). I just don’t usually read through all the directions once I have made a recipe a few times. I just look at the ingredients and assemble. i know its user error, but could you add all the ingredients up at the list area? thought it might help other sleep-deprived mamas like me who want to cook but get frustrated when recipes get botched due to a simple thing like that. okay, I’m done. :-)
Hi Lindsey — Okay, for you, mostly because you put artichokes in it, I changed it. :) (Some publications include water in ingredients lists, others do not. I think for the book I had to choose a side or give the copyeditor gray hairs, so I chose the latter, which is why this was written as it is.)
Just made this amazing challah for the third time and it turned out so incredibly this time that I thought i’d share my two modifications.
First, I used dried dates instead of figs and omitted the orange zest. DELISH.
Second, I braided, then left in the fridge (for almost 24 hrs) under oiled plastic wrap- as you suggested. Then let rise again for the full hour on the counter, did the egg wash bit, and baked.
Lightest, yummiest challah. Adored by everyone at my table. Thank you!!
Okay, what did I do wrong?! Thought I followed the directions exactly but my dough was so tough I literally could not roll it out. Ack! Used regular yeast (bought fresh). Could the mixer have been too low speed? Any other ideas? (Also – what do you think of subbing Dalmatia fig spread if you cannot find fresh figs.) Thanks in advance for any insights!
Nancy — Did it not rise? Did the yeast seem to proof? You’re not at a high altitude, are you? Re, fig spread: I love that jam. It’s thinner so will absorb more than the paste I recommend in the recipe; it’s also sweeter, but I am sure it will still be tasty.
Deb – yeast definitely proofed and no, in Boston. the dough just seemed too dense when I took it out of Kitchenaid – it did rise but when I went to roll out it was next to impossible. a friend mentioned that there is something about the flour in New England that can throw off bread recipes – who knew? perhaps I just need to follow your advice and buy a food scale…! will try this again one day when I’m not pre-RH dinner mode. thanks!
Well … Looks like I may have found the bread to go with our roasted duck for Rosh Hashanah? I’ll have to think about this but this bread may not make it to the table.
Good morning (and Shabbat Shalom!), Deb.
Long-time listener, first time caller (hahaha).
I love this recipe, and wanted to try a modification using two different doughs. One will be this recipe (minus the fig), and instead of olive oil, I want to use coconut oil (for a sweeter bread).
Additionally, for the other dough, I want to use Nutella instead of honey. I want to separate the doughs and braid them together so they make nice mixed coconut and Nutella-flavored loaves.
Do you have any experience with mixing Nutella or similar ingredients into challah dough? Are there special considerations in terms of the baking time, etc. vs. using honey?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!
Branden
Branden — I can’t believe you’re the first person in 660 comments to suggest Nutella. Or that I haven’t tried it. I wouldn’t expect it to affect the temperature or baking time. Perhaps use a spoonful or two extra, for oomph, but not so much to make the dough too moist/hard to use. Let us know how it goes!
HELLO,
Do you have any “do ahead” suggestions for this recipe? Would it be terrible if I braided it at night and then popped it in the oven first thing in the morning?
Thanks!
I skimmed the comments again and found my answer.
Hi! I made this yesterday and it was delicious! Even with the tweaks I made (figs in place of dates and some spelt flour in place of AP) and my lack of bread baking experience, it looked beautiful and tasted great. Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi Deb! I first heard of you when you were interviewed on CFMB Radio in Montreal and I rushed out to buy your cookbook!
I’m having family over for Friday night dinner this week and so I made this challah (minus the figs and sea salt). It turned out beautiful, but the consistency and taste wasn’t like what I’m used to for a Shabbat challah. When I made it, it was a lot like a bread, and I’m used to a more “stringy”, dense consistency. Does that make sense? Is it possible I’m doing something wrong? Thanks so much in advance for your answer!!
Sarah — That was fun! It sounds like it either needed to rise more or maybe overbaked slightly. Did it taste too dense or maybe dry?
Thanks so much for your reply! Perhaps it was overbaked, do you think 20 minutes shold suffice? Also, do you think another egg may help?
It’s not an exact science because the loaves can take on such different shapes after braiding. Some spread flatter; could be done sooner than the suggested time, though I wouldn’t expect by much. Some end up taller and take the fullest time. There are a few ways to test for doneness: a meat thermometer will usually read above 190 degrees when inserted into the center of a fully-baked challah. Some bakers like to flip it over — using potholders, of course — and tap on the bottom, listening for a hollow sound. You can also use a skewer, which I sometimes do. If it goes into unbaked dough in the center, it’s going to feel tight and stretchy there, like the skewer is buried in elastic. If the bread is baked in the center, it should easily pierce through, as it’s dry and baked. Hope that helps for next time.
I have leftover prune hamentaschen filling — I’m going to try out using that as a filling instead of the fig one. The fig one is delicious!
I gave up gluten 2 years ago, but I’d really like to make it! My grandma would also buy challah when I came to visit, so it is a real nostalgic craving. :) Will this work with buckwheat flour? Any other suggestions to keep it delicious, but wheat free?
Hey Deb! Your site is my absolute favorite. I’ve been using the braiding technique from this recipe for what feels like forever – it always gets the oohs and aahs because it just looks so GOOD. I’m planning on finally doing your full recipe this weekend, but I just realized that you make your challah with olive oil instead of butter! I’ve only ever used my mom’s recipe, which uses butter, so now I’m agonizing over the decision. Have you tried both? How do you choose? Kosher doesn’t really matter to me, but I’ve never been able to make my challah as good as my mother’s and now i’m tempted to break with tradition… It may mean I end up making this AND my mom’s recipe this Sunday, just so I can do my own little test kitchen. OY
My first try at Challah. Really had a hard time following the braiding technique but turned out a beautiful challah anyway! Came out fairly cake-like. Was that your intention? The problem was that by the time the bread got to the suggested temp, the bottom burned. Suggestions?
loved this!!! The dough was hard to roll, so I just shaped it into a rectangle. Baked for 35 minutes – maybe 5 minutes less next time. Thanks!
Leslie — It should not be cake-like; it should have the texture of a traditional challah, something like a brioche but more dense and stretchy. If the bottom burnt and you were using a very thin or light baking sheet, you could try doubling up or using a heavier one next time. If you had it on a thicker heavier pan, you might try baking it at 25 degrees less next time.
Brenly — You can definitely use butter. Most people do not because of the Kosher issue, as you said, with a meat meal. It would be closer to brioche, actually, never a bad thing.
This was sadly a complete disaster for me. I couldn’t get the filling to stay inside the dough, and I couldn’t get the strands of dough thin enough to weave. The dough wouldn’t adhere to itself enough to seal the filling in, and wasn’t eleastic enough to stretch thin without ripping. I’m not sure if I used too much filling or overkneaded (or underkneaded?) the dough, or both.
I ended up with a fat ugly ripped up octopus with filling spilling out everywhere. Maybe I should have attempted normal challah before trying the fancier version.
Currently waiting for my first ever challah to proof before it goes into the oven! Does anyone have any tips on how to stretch the challah dough once it’s been rolled up with the filling?
Mine was quite sticky and springy, so it kept shrinking back to a shorter length, frustratingly. I lost patience and tried squeezing/shaking it (probably not the smartest thing to do), and of course, some of the dough developed small tears, and out came the filling…
Hi, I have two questions The type of Dried Figs you used and the type of Olive Oil? Thanks can’t wait to make! Oh, can this be frozen prior to baking once shaped?
Hey, Deb! Just curious, where did you get those glass tumblers shown in the pictures? They are the perfect size!
Duralex Gigone — we have them in 5ish and 7ish ounces. We used the tiny ones for toddler cups. (Surprisingly hard to break on hardwood floors from kid-height. Very easy to break on tile.)
Just got around to making this! It was beautiful and delicious!
Deb, I love this challah so much. Making it for the third time right now–it’s on its final rise. I find that I’m having the same issue I had last time–very hard to stretch the “logs” to my desired length. Any tips for this? More or less time with the KitchenAid dough hook? Longer proofing?
One other quick note: even though it’s easier to cut the two fig-filled logs in two for four pieces, that inevitably means four figgy ends. You don’t mind this? Or do you just make sure to tuck them under? Thanks so much.
Oh–and lastly: is 5-10 min too long to activate the yeast? I feel I might be using it before it’s really ready…
THANK YOU
If they’re not stretching without tearing, they might benefit from more rising time. Just leave them be on the counter for 20 minutes or whatever time you can spare and see if that helps. 5-10 is just fine. I just tuck the ends under.
Even though there are already so many comments, I thought I’d let you know that I made this recipe last week and it turned out SO well! I actually really dislike baking and am not particularly good at it (why I attempted to make homemade, stuffed bread, I really don’t know…), but this recipe was surprisingly easy to follow and execute. I noticed a few people here in your comments saying their dough had come out stiff, but I didn’t have that problem (somewhat miraculously). Everyone at my dinner party was blown away and at the end of the night when I asked if anyone wanted to take some leftovers, rather than the polite declinations that I expected, everyone said yes and I had to give away every last slice :(
I LOVE this challah and have made it several times! This year, I will be driving the day of and day before the holiday… But I wondered whether I can make/shape it ahead of time and freeze it? Any other ideas for how to make ahead?
Thanks for this lovely recipe!
Yes, you can freeze it. You can freeze the dough at almost any point, and/or chill it in the fridge overnight or up to a day, sometimes two. You just want to make sure you get it defrosted and/or back to room temp before you pick up where you left off.
Delicious as always. I’ve made this challah many, many times and just love it. It freezes well. It looks beautiful. And it is at its best sliced, toasted, and smothered in cream cheese for “breakfast.” What’s not to love?
Your challah recipes are my good to recipes when making challah! Love ALL your bread recipes!!!!
I won a competitive potluck using this recipe, so thank you for that! The challah was enjoyed by all. It has become my favourite bread to make. The only problem is – the loaf disappears so quickly that I never have leftovers for French toast the next morning! Have you tried doubling the recipe? Is it fine with just straight doubling all of the ingredients and then dividing the dough to make two separate loaves?
I love this recipe and have made it several times. Am I the only one where this has taken longer than 40 minutes to bake? I have tried various looseness levels of the braid, the number of plaits, etc., and each time it still takes more than 40 minutes. I love the final product so much, but am a bit worried – am I baking too long? I don’t think so, I use an instant-read thermometer and my oven isn’t ancient – but, nevertheless, it takes at least 50 minutes to an hour each time.
You’re not. Challah, especially woven like this, can vary a lot because sometimes it flops more wide and other times stays taller or even sometimes it’s taller but the way the twists fall, heat gets to the center faster. If it doesn’t taste dry or overbaked, it’s not.
Yes for me it takes an hour at 375. What’s wrong with me? Maybe I need to check my oven, but using a thermometer and foil, it comes out beautifully! I have to thank Deb for this awesome recipe because it makes me feel like a million bucks to make something so special like this!
We love this challah recipe! We actually use it without the filling as our normal weekly recipe, as I love the richness of the olive oil and honey. My toddlers also love “helping” me bake it. Thanks for a great recipe!
This was so delicious and the recipe was perfection to follow. First time making challah and it turned out amazing, all thanks to the recipe! The only issue I had was my dough did not seem to rise as much as I expected but after googling doesnt seem like egg based doughs rise as much?
One of the most beautiful and deelish challah breads I’ve ever made! It did take about 60 minutes, all told, and I needed foil during the last 20 minutes to protect the outside edges.
I just started the dough for this beautiful bread. However, despite the additional 100 grams of flour I added, it is still a very sticky dough. Is that normal?
Yes, sticky doughs = tender breads. Stiff doughs = dry, hard breads.
How far in advance can you make this? Do the baked challahs freeze well?
Challahs freeze well baked or unbaked. How long they keep has more to do with your freezer; bread can keep for 6 months easily but freezers often make them taste “freezery” sooner.
Do you suppose this could be made with fresh figs? Maybe if I back off on the liquid in the filling?
Absolutely. Cook them with less liquid to a bit of a paste/thick jam with sugar and you’re set.
I tried this with fresh figs (axing all the liquids and adding some honey) and what I learned is that “paste” is your mantra here. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going for so just cooked the fresh figs with orange peel, honey, and the seasonings, but stopped when it was the consistency of apple sauce. I used “softened/broken down figs” as opposed to “paste-like consistency” as my metric, and let me tell you, the log-rolling and challah-braiding was a hot mess. My challah did bake up in a round more or less, but she’s not pretty. We’ll see how it tastes later. My 3 minutes of google research on fig paste recipes indicate that dried figs are really the way to go (the ones using fresh figs seem to yield a jam-like product), but you can dry out your figs in the oven for 40-50 min before. I’m hoping my fig tree gives me enough figs to try this again before fall really hits!
Hi Deb!
This bread looks BEAUTIFUL. Have you tried using any alternative flour for this recipe, as in almond flour, etc?
Thanks!
Syl
No, I haven’t used almond flour in a bread before. A little bit of spelt swapped in can be good, though.
Hi Debs,
I’m having trouble, believe it or not, tracking down old school dry yeast rather than fast action or instant. Presumably the two aren’t interchangeable?
Any advice?
Thanks!
Anna
With instant yeast, you don’t need to proof it, can use cold liquids. It will probably work here just fine, but the rising times will be different. Keep an eye on it. I find instant sometimes takes longer, other times, less time, so I can’t give any solid advice. If you report back how it goes, you will definitely help someone else in the future. Thank you!
Deb,
I love you, your work and this recipe! I’ve made it every Rosh Hashanah for the past 4 years, and always come out looking like a hero :) thank you for all of your hard work and excellent recipes !!! L’shana tova!!
Joce
P.s. I’ve swapped apple butter and chopped walnuts for the fig paste and have received rave reviews.
I tried to cheat on this recipe using fig jam from a jar. It didn’t work. Too loose. Next time I’ll try to follow the directions for the paste. Two additional comments: proofing yeast isn’t necessary any more, though it was decades ago when yeast was less reliable than it is now. Also, oiling a bowl with olive oil is a waste of good olive oil and its flavor; simple canola or corn oil will do for the bowl, though olive oil is needed for flavor in the challah itself.
Delicious! I couldn’t find figs at my local grocery store, so I used dried dates instead and they worked perfectly.
My daughtermade your fig, olive oil and sea salt challah a few years ago and it was delicious . today a I saw your Challah breakfast buns — fig, olive oil and sea salt chall buns would be scrumptious – I’m going to make them this weekend!! Can’t wait for your new cookbook!!
Happy New Year Deb. This comment is years belated but I couldn’t let any more holidays go by without thanking you for this brilliant recipe, what a special lovely memorable challa ithis makes! It is fun to make, much easier than it looks and the fig/orange zest paste is complex, sophisticated, and really “dresses up” this bread, elevating it to the next level of challa for sure. Thank you so much for this holiday treasure
Since I find the “I Made This” section super helpful, I’m making an effort to comment when I make (or in some case, re-make for the dozen-th time) your always brilliant recipes.
I have this in the oven now — I made two small loaves so I can share one and hoard the other. I found the dough to be pretty easy to roll out, although I did let it rise the first time for about 1.5 hours and then let the smaller pieces rest for a bit before rolling into rectangles. I also added a pinch of ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to the filling, because why not.
The valuable lesson learned, though, is to be super careful when microwaving honey (mine had crystalized) — without going into the whole horror story, I managed to create a pressurized hot honey explosion when I started out making this yesterday. I re-started the process today (using sugar as I am avoiding honey for the moment…), and it smells fantastic and is browning beautifully.
I had a friend who did this and ended up with bees swarming her kitchen.
Hi Deb, I made this challah on the weekend, thank you, it was so delicious and and it pretty much came out exactly as per your recipe. The only change I made was that I added a fair bit more orange zest. My whole family were very impressed!
I’ve made this a few times and I always have trouble getting it to bake in the middle without overbaking on the edges.
I’m wondering if part of the problem is my ropes are too thick (ending in a more dense middle section)… but was hoping you had tips for baking it all the way through?
what do you think about making this dough into crescent shape rolls or like clover shape rolls with the fig paste in the center for thanksgiving rolls?
Can this recipe be doubled? I’ve been planning on making your best challah recipe for my work holiday potluck and keep one loaf at home though I’d rather make this!
I’m currently making this and the dough doesn’t seem to be doubling.
Is the only liquid in the dough mixture the 2/3 c. warm water that was used to proof the yeast and the olive oil? No other liquid added?
I have made this challah several times and it always tastes great, but I am consistently having issues with the dough being very sticky and breaking as I make the rolls. No matter how much flour I put before rolling the dough out, once I finish putting the spread and I start making the rolls, there are parts of the dough that stick to the surface and the dough ends up breaking as I try detaching it. Any ideas to what I may be doing wrong? I am using all type flour T55. I wonder if I am stretching the dough too thin perhaps? How long are your rolls? Thanks!
I don’t know T55 flour but it’s totally normal for the dough to be sticky. Ignore it as much as you can, try not to add too much flour, scrape off anything that sticks, and it should bake up just fine. Tender breads come from sticky, soft doughs; more flour makes the dough easier but the crumb more dry and firm.
I think I might need to do this with chopped kalamata olives instead of the sea salt…
Deb! I made this over the weekend and it is AMAZING! OK, I subbed date/orange filling instead of figs. I am barely keeping myself from devouring it. I made the in a bread machine, FWIW, following the basic bread machine instructions (add liquids, then solids, then yeast, and then knead on the bread cycle) and replaced 1.5 cups of AP flour with white whole wheat. It was SOOOO good.
So, I’m getting ingredients ready to make challah for the New Year. A couple of years I started a new method for making round challah. I cut the dough into 10 pieces. 9 pieces get rolled into ropes — maybe 8 or 9 inches long. Then I weave them like a tick tac toe board, tuck the ends under and place the whole thing over the 10th piece which is sitting in a greased pie pan. It makes a beautiful bread.
Debbie, why the heck don’t you just move your brood to the burbs where you can have a fabulous kitchen and cook to your, and our, hearts content?
Because I like living in the city? :)
Would this work for a plain challah omitting the fig filling? Of course I’d be making it as a second one (for the picky people) since the fig sounds amazing!
Absolutely. As would this.
Hi and Happy New Year!! Love this challah!! Do you know how long I can leave it in the fridge after it has been braided? I made it, proofed it, braided it and then put it in the fridge yesterday (Sunday). Ideally I would like to bake it on Tuesday, but don’t know how long I can leave it in the fridge for. Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks!!
That’s probably too long with the amount of yeast in this. You can add a day, I think 3 is too many.
so…i’ve been obsessed with this challah forever, as has my family. i’m basically required to make it at all holiday celebrations. today, i was invited to a shabbat and, having made it twice in the last few weeks, wanted to try something new. every other “plain” challah that i’ve tried has not been nearly as good. so, i used this recipe and combined some techniques from serious eats and joan nathan.
i kept everything as written here, with several minor tweaks:
1. most notably, no filling at all.
2. i added 2 egg yolks to the listed ingredients.
3. i punched down the dough after the first rise, and let it rise another 30 min before braiding.
4. no salt on top
this was perfectly done at 34 min and really spectacular. deb, thanks for making me so comfortable with this recipe that i felt confident adding my own spin. :)
I have made this several times, and it is delicious every time! I also find it relatively forgiving, and my three-year-old is able to help me roll out the dough and then spread the fig on. Our one substitution is that we use Bonne Maman fig preserves, but it tastes delicious!
Hi! I’m looking to make this as a traditional challah- not round. How should I modify the ingredient amounts? Or would this make two long challahs? Thank you!!
Followed the recipe exactly and this came out perfectly. Took another 20 min in the oven before it was ready, but my strands were pretty thick, so that was expected. It was eaten up before I could turn it into french toast! Making another one tomorrow.
I loved this recipe. It was pretty easy to do and it really impresses people! We used it for french toast the next day and I made a fig syrup to go on it with the left over figs that I had – It was amazing. Will definitely make this again.
Absolutely amazing. Thanks!
Hi Deb,
Is there any way to make this in advance? Possibly keeping it in the fridge overnight as dough before baking or freezing the dough for a few days? Thanks!!
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough at any point to pause it, or freeze it too. Once it warms up, pick up where you left off in the recipe.
Hi, Deb,
Can you give me any tips on how to make a round “turban” challah, please? Specifically, should I use a round pan or just a baking sheet, should I start the swirl from the center or from the outside? I made one last week but it looked taller than I had hoped. Thank you.
I don’t think I’ve made one before — just a spiral?
Yes, a spiral. I had seen it referred to as a turban but it’s a spiral. Thank you.
Do you think fig jam would work in place of the paste? I have some already made.
Is there any type of other fillings I would substitute for the figs?
You could use dates or another dried fruit, even raisins.
Made this last night and it was so surprisingly easy to put together! My husband is usually the bread-maker, but I wanted to try my hand at this challah. It came out PERFECTLY! Mine was done after 45 minutes, and I checked its internal temp, which was at 195 F. THANK YOU for another bomb recipe!!!
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Made this today and it’s fabulous!!!! Pretty easy too! My husband is on his third piece! I will definitely make it again soon! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
I made this but swapped in bourbon for half the water in the filling. 10/10 would booze up this recipe again!
My dough doesn’t look half as soft as in your pictures :( I’m kneading by hand, could that have affected the dough?
No — you mean yours is more firm? It might be too much flour/not enough liquid.
This is delicious but I think next time I will double the filling! And sprinkle with sugar instead of Fleur de sel. But very easy to make and turned out moist and delicious. Thanks!
Could you, in these times of substitutions, use the last of a jar of Trader Joes fig butter as the filling. Maybe augmented with some orange zest
This challah is amazing. I love the flavor of the filling, I added a bunch more orange zest bc it’s one of my favorite flavors. The texture turned out wonderfully, can’t wait to make this again.
Curious about your challah recipes (making it for the first time this week!). In one you have sugar but I see honey in this one. Do you recommend honey over sugar? Thanks! Looking forward to it.
It’s not a preference of one over the other; the best challah is a classic recipe, here I’m using other flavors for a unique (unforgettable) one.
Your instructions were so thorough, which made it easy for me to make an awesome loaf of bread. Looked and tastes amazing. Thanks!
Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
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What a delicious challah recipe! I used instant yeast and it was great. Thanks for listing the final internal temp; sheer perfection. Another winner from SK!
I have some homemade fig jam, can I use that instead of the dried fig filling? Should a add anything to it?
Hey Deb!
Just wondering if you have any suggestions on what I can replace the fig paste with. I have a childhood aversion to dried figs (it’s… traumatic…), but I was wondering if something like a chestnut/cashew paste might work (recognising that I won’t get the colour variegation).
I’ve been stalking this recipe for forever, trying to figure out a way for me to make it in a way that wouldn’t end up with me running screaming from the room at first bite, simply because of the figs 😂
I love challah and really want to try it myself.
Apricot, maybe with pistachio? Date? Marzipan? Black sesame?
Ooooh date! Yes! Thanks!
Love the double challah idea. Can I refrigerate 1/2 of it, then bring dough to room temp tomorrow and then braid? Basically, 1/2 before letting it rise and let 1 of the challahs rise in fridge overnight? Thanks- happy new year!
I came here to ask this same question. I would like to start challah tonight, but bake tomorrow, since I don’t have much time either day.
Hi Deb! I made this challah last night to take to dinner tonight. It came out great, but there’s no way I could braid it the way you did – I couldn’t get my ropes long or thin enough without the fig paste breaking through. So I made a large challah with 3 ropes and a small one with the 4th that I cut up. Where did I go wrong? How do you manage to stretch the rolled dough out? (And of course the more I worked with it, the more stubborn it was….). ALSO I made the cream cheese noodle kugel, it’s currently baking. There is a lot more custard than noodles… is this normal? I did check and recheck my measurements. Thanks!!
You can try to start with wider rolled out dough next time, so the logs are longer once rolled in a coil. The noodle kugel sounds about right!
Thanks for the reply! The noodle kugel was even better the next day – like cheesecake with noodles!
I don’t usually comment, I read, I love the bloggers who post, I consider recipes … but this Fig/olive oil/sea salt challah is beyond goodness!
I bake sourdough bread more than weekly, have baked many a loaf of yeasted bread during my life (so far) and decided I needed to test a number of Challah recipes for this year’s Rosh Hashanah.
This bread should be on everyone’s must bake list – so very delicious and wonderful! The texture has enough stringy-challah-ness, and is soft and supple and the oil is not overpowering. Not sure if there is too much salt possible on the top – Fantastic loaf!
Thanks Deb for adapting this and sharing your experimentation with us all – another Deb
I’ve made it today with poppy seed paste! It turned out very tasty. We just loved it. First time I baked challah bread. Soon I’ll make ‘best challah bread’ recipe too.
I really liked this in the end, but it was not easy. The instructions could be a bit clearer – in particular, it’s not clear what’s meant by “gently stretch the log as wide as feels comfortable.” I wasn’t sure if this was to make the strands for weaving, or if that is a subsequent step. Also, I think the recipe for both this and the apple challah should probably say that you should punch the dough down and let it rise a second time before adding the fruit.
Lovely recipe. Have you ever experienced an under baked middle? Would a baking stone help this problem? Perhaps my challah was just too dang big. Thoughts?
I have but it’s not, to me, about the stone, just that some are thicker or more piled than others. A thermometer can help ensure it’s fully baked, as can a skewer, if you are careful to try it in a few places, making sure you don’t run into any rubbery or doughy spots.
This looks just wonderful. I’m going to give this a try but convert it from a yeasted challah to a sourdough one, as I do :) Thanks for the recipe!
I can’t wait to see how it comes out!
Thank you Deb, yet another fantastic recipe!
I subbed mandarin zest and juice for the the orange since it is what i had on hand. The mandarin flavor came through really well in the bake.
Will make again!
Hi! This looks great and I’m excited to try it. Would it work with fresh figs or would the added moisture affect the bread too much?
Ah, never mind! I see someone else asked this question already and got an answer.
How far ahead can I make the fig filling and keep in the fridge? As it will be a busy weekend due to Labor Day and then Rosh Hashanah I was hoping to make the fig filling ahead of time.
I should note that I now saw someone asked this prior, and the answer was a week. But… my plan was to use fresh figs as they are in all the grocery stores including some great looking ones at TJ. So…. my amended question is now: can I make this ahead of time using fresh figs?
I made this with fresh figs and it worked out beautifully. The fresh figs were an error because I misread the ingredients (whoops) but I’m not mad.
I put in half the amount of water and all of the rest of the liquids. While mine was cooking down I definitely noticed it was a little on the thin side so I added about .5 tablespoon of tapioca granules and it became a very loose jam which I let cool.
Instead of using my food processor, once it was cooled I used my immersion blender to get it more spreadable and evenly sized. Worked great and I didn’t have to clean my food processor!
To save time, do you think you could use one of the fig/orange jams on the market?
Yes. It will be more sweet and less visible, but I do love the taste.
I would love a video of this challah weaving, like the one you just did (December, 2021)!
I just made this! It came out very pretty looking when sliced, the swirls of fig paste were beautiful. BUT it was a little bit underbaked and denser than my previous regular challah, even though I took the 195 temp and went even over the recommended time. Did I overknead it? Does filling make it more moist/underbaked or weight it down? Curious for any insight if anyone has it…
“Logistical challenges” was the theme for me with this recipe, too. Because the instructions for rolling out the dough were so scant, I rolled out a thin rectangle and the fig paste weakened the dough to the point where it was tearing constantly as I stretched it. Resting the dough when it fought against the stretching (as one normally would) just gave the filling more opportunity to weaken the outermost layer of dough. This hit its peak after the second rise, because the extra moisture from the egg wash… more or less dissolved large quantities of the outermost layer. So, yeah. More precise instructions for the size/shape of the rectangle would be immensely helpful because apparently the shape absolutely does matter and if you guess wrong, you end up covered in fig jam.
It seems borderline overbaked at the edges and underbaked in the middle after having gone for 40 minutes, so at this point I’m just hoping carryover cooking will stop me from throwing a tantrum. (I also really wish I’d used warm water with my instant yeast like I usually do, because that first rise took an obnoxiously long time.) It’s been a weird few hours because normally your baking recipes go off flawlessly!
I had mixed results with this recipe.
It would have helped me if the recipe indicated about how large the rectangle should be when the dough is rolled out. I thought I rolled mine out as large as I could, but when I proceeded to roll them up into ropes, they weren’t long enough to braid enough times. When I tried to stretch the ropes longer, they ruptured and hemorrhaged filling which results in some burned parts when baking. Oh well, it was fun to try!
I am an experienced challah maker. I was unable to create as “pretty” a braid with this recipe as I can with my usual. I liked the idea of using olive oil and may make that change in my usual recipe.
I made this today and it was a smashing success! I’d take a photo, but I would need to get there before my OH eats it all ;)
I changed the filling to dates and lemon (subbed for figs and orange, respectively). Came out tasting like the best, tangy raisin bread. Thank you.
Used fig spread since fresh figs are well-nigh impossible to find in Colorado. Delicious!
Can’t wait to make this again this year- it’s always a hit! Is it possible to make ahead and freeze? How do you recommend I go about that to save time day of?
Would have a suggestion for using fresh figs instead of dried?
I would recommend cooking them into a thick sauce/paste, chopping them first. Start with double to be safe. Should be delicious.
Would fresh figs work in this, and if so, how much would you recommend? Thanks!
I think you’d want to cook them down a bit into a thick sauce — definitely try to cook off most of the liquid. So, I’d start with double the weight to be safe.
I haven’t yet made this challah (I just make plain) but the instructions for braiding a round challah are the best.
This came out beautifully. I think an overnite rise in the refrigerator made a big difference. I subbed dates for figs (equal amount) and they worked well. Also used a convection oven and my new Lodge pizza stone, and it was done in 30 minutes.
Shana tovah! I have a nearly full jar of fig jam and was thinking of using it for this recipe. Do you think if I add the salt, pepper, juice and and zest it would work well, or be too sweet from the sugar in the jam? About how much does your filling recipe yield (so I have an idea of how much jam to use)?
Has anyone tried making the dough in a bread machine.?
I am wondering if there’s a way to make this with fresh figs. Looking for something to make with figs from our two fig trees. Love them fresh but most my kids are allergic unless they’re cooked.
Here are comments from people who have used fresh figs:
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-768086
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-768157
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-967582
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-2333766
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-2584212
https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/09/fig-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-challah/#comment-2584223
Wow, I so appreciate this!
Hi Deb,
First of all, Thank You for all your amazing recipes. I have been a follower for years, have several of your cookbooks and trust you implicitly. My sister and I have both made the Fig and Olive Oil Challah. Since I am preparing for two nights of the holiday, I would like to prepare my challahs in advance if possible. Would you recommend and overnight proof and baking the day of or baking the day before without losing taste and texture?
Your advice is appreciated.
Gaye
I vote for baking the day-of, if you have options. You can finish the dough and shaping and let it do its final rise in the fridge overnight.
Thank you!
Hi Deb! I love this challah and make it every year for Rosh Hashanah. I have two questions:
1) Would this benefit from an additional rise before braiding, as with your standard challah recipe? Any reason to do or not do?
2) Is the fig paste critical to the dough itself? Like, if I wanted to make one sweet and another savory loaf, could I use the same dough as a base?
Thanks so much!
1. I haven’t done it but I don’t think there’s any harm.
2. Yes, you can use the same one for each.
I had the time, so did a second (in-between) rise for just a half hour in the fridge and I can’t say yet whether it has impacted the flavor, but the chilled dough was a dream to work with!
Made this twice and it’s amazing! I have leftovers, believe it or not, and I’m wondering if it will freeze well? I know this is an odd question in light of how yummy it is!! Thank you.
Yes, it freezes great.
I made this last night for a Hanukkah party, and subbed guava paste, thinned with a bit of water and flavored w s&p and orange zest, for the fig mixture. It was delicious, almost like a savory/sweet babka. I’ve also made the fig version which is ALSO delicious.