(Courtesy of Valley Chabad) On Thursday night, January 14, teens joined together on Zoom for a beautiful Babka Bake.

Led by Estie Orenstein, the teens baked chocolate babkas for their families to enjoy over Shabbat. They played a game of “True or False—Jewish Edition” and bonded over making the dough and saying a prayer for all those in need during this time.

CTeen is a part of the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative where local Jewish teens learn about themselves and their heritage through giving to others and participating in interactive, hands-on activities. CTeen is open to all local Jewish teens regardless of affiliation.

For more information about CTeen, visit valleychabadteens.com or email Rabbi Yosef Orenstein at [email protected].

Estie’s Babka Recipe

Ingredients

1 tbsp. yeast

2 tbsp. sugar

1 1/4 cups warm water

5 tbsp. oil

1 tsp. salt

1 egg

1/2 cup sugar

5 cups flour

Filling:

1/2 cup sugar,

1/4 cup cocoa powder

(optional top coat: 1 Egg)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the yeast and 2 tbsp. sugar in the warm water and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, salt and egg. Add in the yeast mixture and mix.

Slowly add in the flour while mixing.

Divide the dough in two and do the same for each babka.

Roll out the dough to around 1/8 inch thick.

Sprinkle the cocoa and sugar filling all across the dough.

Roll into a log, fold in half, and twist into a shape of your choice.

(Optional: Egg wash the top of the babka to give it a shine.)

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.