Mandy Silverman, @mandyliciouschallah on Instagram, Massachusetts-based teacher, and online adviser to thousands of bakers, is honest about the craft she loves, cautioning "challah is a high-pressure situation," including the "emotional weight" of honoring the history and tradition of generations. Nevertheless, she enthuses that "challah carries so much joy," and in Twisted: A New Approach to Challah, Babka, and Other Twisty Breads, she shares tips from her "challah baking safe space."
Detailed, conversational tips on ingredients, tools, and methods precede more than 60 challah recipes, both sweet and savory. Going beyond braiding, Mandy stuffs challah with unconventional fillings, like caramelized onions or pomegranate-glazed apples, and twists challah dough with meats including BBQ brisket and salami. An "Infinite Possibilities" section offers creative ways with the dough: Herbed Cheese and Tomato Tart, Challah Bagels, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Monkey Bread, and more. For a new snack, Mandy suggests Challah Chips served with her Creamy Salsa or Cheesecake Dip. Mouthwatering, full-page color photos bring every recipe to life, guaranteeing bakers will reach "all the challahliciousness of your dreams." -- Cheryl McKeon, Book House, Albany, N.Y.