Chocolate and Orange Confit Challah

Enjoy this homemade challah bread and the delicious combination of chocolate and orange confit. Its the ideal treat for any occasion because of the richness of the chocolate tempered by the zesty citrus and the sweet candied orange peel.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup orange confit candied orange peel
• 1 egg for egg wash
• 1 tbsp water for egg wash

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast

Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and warm water to the dry ingredients

Mix until a dough forms

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size

Punch down the risen dough and incorporate the chocolate chips, orange zest, and candied orange peel

Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and roll each into a long rope

Braid the ropes together to form a challah loaf

Place the braided challah on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

In a small bowl, beat the egg and water to make an egg wash

Brush the challah with the egg wash

Preheat your oven to 350F 175C

Bake the challah for 30-35 minutes or until its golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom

Allow the chocolate and orange confit challah to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving