It had to happen. I have to get over whatever not got enough see all the issues thing sooner than later and Share A Challah. First thing I did, PANIC.
The Challah was glazed with a mix of Maple Syrup and Oat Milk and the Maple was a little too much, resulting in a little too much sweetness upfront and too effective at keeping the sesame seeds attached, almost sticky. Maybe leaving it out wrapped in parchment paper was a mistake, I wrapped it in cream wrap early morning and biked over to my friend Michael Grasso’s house.
It was early, I left the Challah and a series of panicked texts stumbling to explain why I left a Challah on his deck at 8am. Amy and I were talking about how his family was visiting from Texas, and what could be better than a massive family Challah as a metaphor for how different things are visiting family in California. Really, I know family is always a mix of joy and stress and I thought man, everything is bigger in Texas, from Michael to his huge SUV to the size of this Challah!
There was a lot of radio silence. I don’t think they had any idea how fraught with anxiety I was, the bread was a little dry and the bottom was suspicious. I don’t know what made me think I should share bread with my friends, what about the nuts? Damn. A little dry also and not that hot. What have I done?
Bruh.
Meditate and Bake.
It’s that simple.
Check out the amazing looking Challah French Toast Michael sent me! Here is the recipe he used. This is better than I ever could have hoped for, Challah French Toast is almost a threat used to describe mythical breakfast places that deliver what we really want, sweet goodness and relief from the present moment, Michael took my slightly rough imperfect Challah and turned it into an EPIC experience.
I need to be clear, EVERYTHING about this Challah can and will be better in the future!!! And yet, we have to start somewhere. This was my start, my first Challah share.
It was exhilarating and scary and a wonderful bit of immigrant and Jewish culture to share, too much food, in that family size Challah. or maybe, enough for the whole family to enjoy?
There are many aspects of being Jewish that I hope to share through Knead For Peace, the same spirit that took my ancestors across the ocean with little more than the clothing on their back, that survived famines and the holocaust, is imbued in this attempt to create a movement of peace within that is shareable in the form of Challah. Also, LOVE.
Seriously, making Challah, moving your hands in the dough, the gentle turning and pulling and pushing; this is an act of love, of meditation and personal freedom that is scaled by giving some of what is created. Peace.
Peace starts with us, today. I’m encouraging you to make some Challah, and share what you experience with your people, make our community smaller. It’s Friday and I am making Challah!!!