How to Make the Challah Basket
Please note: It is best to shape the basket and handles before the dough rises.
- Turn a metal mixing bowl upside down on a cookie sheet and spray it very well with cooking spray.
- Roll the challah dough into one long rope, or make a very long, thin three-strand braid.
- Wrap the dough around the outside of the bowl to create the basket shape. You can wrap the dough all the way around, or cover the bottom with a flat piece of dough instead of continuing the wrapped design
- For the handles, roll two thin ropes of challah dough and shape each one into a “C.” Place them on a separate small tray so you can bake them separately from the basket.
- Brush the basket and handles with egg wash and bake until golden. Keep an eye on the handles, as they will bake more quickly and should be removed from the oven before the basket.
- Allow the basket to cool completely before carefully removing it from the metal bowl.
- Once everything has cooled, attach the handles to the basket with toothpicks.
Fill Your Basket with Apple-Shaped Challah
Once your basket is assembled, fill it with our Apple-Shaped Challah rolls. Suddenly, a simple batch of challah becomes a beautiful bushel of apples that can take center stage on your Rosh Hashanah table.
And, of course, the best part is that your guests can eat the entire centerpiece!
