All You Need Is Loaf

STORY BY

LAUREN GALVAN

Ma de wit

love...

If you’ve ever wondered why certain types of bread continue to be the center of many holidays, here is a deeper look into the history and evolution of our favorite holiday treats.

CHALLAH

BRAID IN THE BLESSINGS

A traditional Jewish holiday is not complete without a loaf of challah at the center of the table to bring everyone together. The braided bread that has been around for hundreds of years is most commonly present during the Sabbath, which is from Friday sundown to Sunday sundown. Baker Manley Gilardi, the owner of Yallah Challah, explained that although it’s somewhat outdated, the women of the house are usually the ones baking the bread to bring light and blessings throughout the process. “During the time that you are making the challah, you can pray for anything, whether someone is sick or you’re looking for that job that you are hoping is going to come your way,” Gilardi said. Growing up, challah was at every high holiday and Sabbath dinner in the Gilardi family. According to Gilardi, there is a blessing that is done over the bread where you thank God for the food that is about to nourish your body. When Gilardi decided to start her baking business, she chose to stray from the classic recipe. Not only does she make the bread with different toppings and infusions such as Oreo, lemon curd, and jalapeño, but they are entirely vegan. “Making challah is not a fast process. It takes a lot of time. The more you knead it, the more fluffy and soft it is,” Gilardi said. “It is definitely made with love.”

Y um!

“In Mexico, the tradition is that whoever gets the baby Jesus, then throws the next party, which is on another Catholic day, Candlemas.”

ROSCA DE REYES

BREAD FIT FOR A KING... OR THREE

Dia de Los Reyes is a day dedicated to being with family and the excitement of possibly finding a baby baked into your slice of bread. The tradition of baking a loaf of bread in the shape of a crown is done every year on Jan. 6 for Dia de Los Reyes. The holiday is celebrated in Catholic and Christian households to honor the three kings who traveled by night to bring a gift to a newborn Jesus. “In Mexico, the tradition is that whoever gets the baby Jesus, then throws the next party, which is on another Catholic day, Candlemas,” Reina Prado said. “They are supposed to throw the party on Feb. 2.” Prado has been baking Roscas since 1997, after buying their first house and deciding to throw a Reyes party. That was the first time Prado had ever made the Rosca on their own, which proved to be a challenge. Because it is a very yeasty bread that needs to go through multiple rises, the Rosca de Reyes is a tricky bread to get right. “I was calling my grandmother and saying, ‘Help! The dough’s not rising,’” Prado said. “The Rosca still came out good, even though the last rise was a little more loose than I’m used to.” When Prado would sell their Roscas, they would do their own twist on the bread by making vegan options available. The pandemic made it too difficult for Prado to sell sweet pastries, like the Rosca; however, they still sell a few savory baked goods through their business, Good Mexican Girl.