Mandylicious Deliciousness Shlissel Challah

Now with Pesach over, it’s time to put Chametz back on the table! This week as the old custom goes, we are putting keys into our Challahs! Why you may ask? Great question.
Shlissel Key Challah is a custom that was established years ago, to commemorate the Manna, miraculous food that fell for the Jewish people in the dessert after they left Egypt. It symbolizes the blessing of livelihood, one that we all wish to receive and maintain till this day! We got the ultimate Shlissel Challah recipe that you will be making this week, and all year ‘round. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

I love Shlissel Challah Shabbat. A chance at bringing good fortune in the year? On it. The ability to make my challah in the shape of a key without coming out looking completely bonkers? Less on it. This is probably why my family has the tradition of simply baking a key inside the challah – less risk! To that end, we also wrap the key in foil before baking and are sure to stick it out at one end so we know exactly where it is baked and nobody slices into anything other than bread.

One adjustment to the tradition I grew up with is that I use a key that holds significant meaning to my family (in my case, every year we use the same key from the first Shlissel Shabbat after my husband and I were married 18 years ago). While this is obviously not necessary, I do like how it helps me remember that there are things in life far more valuable than money. An important lesson that can so easily be forgotten.

Wishing you good fortune in the year ahead!
Mandylicious

[yumprint-recipe id=’77’]Mandy Silverman grew up in St. Louis, went to college in Ann Arbor (Go Blue!), and started Mandylicious nearly 6 years ago in Sharon, MA. Her one-of-a-kind challah and babka inventions are stuffed or topped with fillings and flavors you never imagined. She loves sharing her recipes as well as offering tips, advice and motivation to encourage and support others who want to make their own challah. To see and learn more about her delicious creations, go to www.mandyliciouschallah.com or follow her @Mandyliciouschallah on Instagram or Facebook.