All You Need is Bread

This week at work has been *hectic* to say the least. I feel like I have been running around (metaphorically - I'm in a 2 bedroom apartment all day) like crazy the past three days. If you told me today was Friday I would fully believe you, but it's only Wednesday. It's only Wednesday and I finished Bridgerton so now how am I supposed to fill the rest of my week? Currently closing my eyes and manifesting Bridgerton season two to happen ASAP...Netflix, I hope you're reading.

Braiding challah is very relaxing - highly recommend.

ANYWAY - in between emails and meetings today I have only been thinking about bread. I've been on a homemade bread kick for weeks, but yesterday we finished my last batch and I am beside myself. What is a day without bread? I am specifically thinking about the Honey Tahini Challah from Dessert Person. I've noticed with this cookbook that I so far have not tried recipes once, but have tried them two or three times before moving on. This challah is no exception.

Finally had a use for the sesame seeds buried in the pantry.

My first trial of challah went like a dream. I woke up before 6AM one midweek day in December in order to shape it and let it rise in time to eat for breakfast. It rose beautifully even in the cold. Inside it was soft and pillowy, a texture that melted in my mouth. The combination of honey and tahini lended it a sweet flavor that turns slightly bitter. It was perfect out of the oven and toasted the next few days, with some butter and jam. So far, it might be the most proud I've been of a bread.

My gorgeous girls.

My second try at this challah...not so great. Coasting on the confidence the first bake gave me, I threw together the recipe nonchalantly. In my mixer it looked wrong. Then it didn't rise. Then I reread the recipe and realized I forgot to add liquid. This essentially resulted in making a handful of honey tahini flat breads. They were still great with butter and jam, but not at all what I'd hoped.

Truly my pride and joy.

The third try was closer to the first, but not quite right. I'm still not sure what happened on that one, but it was good enough to bring to my family for Christmas. Someday I will give it a fourth try, but that day is not today and probably not tomorrow either. So, for now, I will continue to dream of splitting a loaf of challah with the Duke of Hastings until I can get into the zone to make more.

Could not resist adding this in here.