Last night I told my husband that I wanted to bake something I've never made before today while he was out playing cricket and I had the house to myself and the cats. But I couldn't decide just what to make...Little did I know that when I picked up my mail this morning, I would be presented with the answer:

CHALLAH!

My Santa sent me a lovely book about the best bread known to mankind all the way from Israel. In her note, she mentions that her husband is a pastry chef (jealous!) and they both love being exposed to new cultures through the culinary arts.

I knew then and there I had to make one of the delicious recipes in it that afternoon. I think I have to work on my braiding skills a bit but I can't wait for it to cool fully and be able to cut into it.

I'm so glad you shared this lovely book with me, Kerenk, as Israel is somewhere I've never been but would love to visit someday. And this just brings me a little bit closer.

(While I tried to shoo Edie away from the loaves, Diego wanted to eat the wrapping paper...silly kittens)