Those closest with me know one of my deepest loves is bread. In fact, pictured below is me in Paris eating a baguette. This is me in my natural state and I can't begin to tell you the joy I experienced in that photo. (I also had hair at the time! Man, time flies...)
The best French baguette ever. This was shot at a small bakery, blocks away from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Ah, such great memories traveling through Europe...alright, onto the recipe. One of my friends hosts beautiful Shabbat dinners in San Francisco on Fridays. "Shabbat" is a weekly gathering that Jews celebrate on Fridays, and is a time for family, friends, faith, and food. Although I'm not Jewish myself, I feel as if I'm an honorary Jew when we sit down, break bread (pun intended) and talk about life and stories. I love her dinner parties because I get to make challah (pronounced "ha-la") bread and enjoy good company.
This almost broiche-style, slightly sweet bread is so light and fluffy and golden brown, its really a game changer when you bring it to a party, or eat it with honey & butter in your kitchen at 10pm. Its an even better sandwich bread...or if you're really looking to step your game up...french toast bread. The real skill comes from the braiding techniques, I suggest watching a video on just what to do with all of those braids!
Cook This | My favorite recipe comes from the NY Times, and after testing out multiple recipes...take my word, I have had many Jewish friends say "this is just like my mom's challah...but better." Well, you make it, and I'll let you be the judge.
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