Chocolate babka. It’s not something I thought I’d ever attempt. It seemed mysterious and complicated. It takes a really long time to make. The babka I’ve gotten at the store has been delicious. Mine could never come out as beautiful as the ones I could buy or that I’ve seen other, more talented bakers make. Why would I attempt my own?

Well, let me tell you something. It does take a really long time to make. It’s a little complicated. But it was worth every minute of time and effort to make. And it made a pretty spectacular-looking gift.

I made it because I was looking to send some treats for work. Our boss was moving back to Israel, so themed treats seemed right. I settled on something classically American, chocolate chip cookies, and some Israeli treats – rugelach and babka. Our boss is a chocoholic, so chocolate babka it was.

I wasn’t quite sure I could pull it off, but I watched a couple videos, sifted through some recipes and settled on The Pioneer Woman’s recipe. An unlikely source for a traditional chocolate babka, but the recipe sounded legit so I gave it a try. And I was looking to rise to the challenge. Oh yes, I have Dad jokes; buckle up! I just hope they don’t…get…stale.