Gifting Idea | Challah Bread

I have a confession to make, I am not the bread maker in the house, that is my husband's job.  He loves getting his hands in the dough and creating delicious loaves of bread that are seemingly perfect from their crunchy exterior to their moist interior.  I am always looking to get past any baking fears that I might have and decided to make Challah bread, a delicious loaf that I usually only buy when french toast is on the menu.  What I have realized that all bread really needs is your time. While the holidays are all about the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect present or entertaining, it is nice to carve out some time to relax and do the things you only do this time of year like listening to your favorite holidays songs (Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra are my favorites) or watching that movie you know the lines by heart (my favorite It's a Wonderful Life). During these moments it is the perfect time to make a loaf or two and give as a token of thanks to the host or hostess at your next holiday event.  Challah is great eaten as is or toasted and finished with a chocolate hazelnut spread.  Stay-tuned tomorrow for a Christmas morning brunch idea incorporating this delicious bread!

For an easy guide to braiding the challah, I recommend this very visual instructions from the Kitchn - it came in handy

Recipe adapted from the NYT

Styling and Photography by Alison Dulaney-Engstrom