BAKE 34 – AUGUST 28, 2020

Yeast utilized: 1 tablespoon

Produce delivery arrived and brought with it a zucchini on the edge, so I decided to make Braided Zucchini Yeast Bread. Gathered my ingredients, got out my blender, and got to chopping to prep the zucchini. Halfway through chopping, my brain finally registered: It was a cucumber, not a zucchini.

Ooops. Fortunately, I did some quick research and found that cucumber can be substituted for zucchini in some recipes. So, okay. Fact is, the cucumber is wilting, too, so onward!

Cucumber puree with egg and yeast.

Next up, add flour.

I do like the green flecks added by the veg.

Took all the flour to get this to a manageable, kneadable range. After that, it was a pleasant five minutes or so of good work.

Ready to rise.

Risen!

After the first rise, it was time to create the braid. I cautiously feel like I’m getting better at this part.

I also weighted them so each rope is the same quantity.

Ready for the second rise.

Risen!

The recipe calls for an egg wash and shredded parmesan. I only had cheap, grated parmesan cheese, which was going to have to do. Egg washes make me nervous since I’ve burned my challah before, but I decided to be brave and include it.

Dressed and ready for the oven.

Baked it for 35 minutes. Egg wash didn’t flummox me on this one!

I think she’s pretty.

Now, it tastes good. It’s a savory, yummy little loaf–but it smells like cucumber. It creates an odd sort of cognitive dissonance because bread just should not smell like cucumber, and yet…

Oh, well.

To the next bake—->