Chocolate Babka

Dear Turkey,

Chocolate Babka is important to me. I used to bring it home from Zabar's before Wegmans started carrying it. I never thought I could make a good one, or that it would be so easy. But my parents liked it, and so did your parents (hence the "reunited, sort of" label). (And, yes, I know that real Jews only eat Cinnamon Babka and Rugelah. Their loss.)

This is adapted from Smitten Kitchen, where her description of how easy it was won me over. And then I made it easier.

Easy, Delicious, Semi-Jewish, Not Healthy but Not-Too-Sugary-Either Chocolate Babka

For the dough (DO THIS 12-24 HRS BEFORE), combine:

2/3 c melted butter (yeah, that's an annoying amount, I know)
4.5 c flour
1/2 c sugar
1 T yeast
1 t orange zest
3 eggs
1/2 c warm water
1 t salt

Knead with your hands until a ball forms, and then for a few extra minutes. Chill, covered, for at least 12 hours (yes, this will make it hard to roll out, but it will prevent a sticky mess).

Before you are ready to roll it out, make the filling:

3/4 c chocolate chips + 1 stick butter (melted in microwave)
1/2 c confectioners sugar
1/3 c cocoa
generous pinch cinnamon

After that, divide the dough in half. Put one half back in the fridge (do it). Roll out the other half on wax paper (probably no flour required) until it's as thin as you can make it, which might not be that thin. Muscles required. Spread half the filling on the dough and then roll it up. Before you place it in a greased bread pan, twist the roll so it looks kind of like a twizzler. Don't stress if it's looks ugly or messy. It will be fine and nobody will care. Repeat for the other half of the dough and then cover the bread pans and let it rise for an hour or so. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until a fork comes out clean and the loaves are getting golden brown.

Meanwhile, make a sugar syrup by bringing 2 parts water, 1 part white sugar, and 1 part brown sugar to a boil, stirring. Then let it cool. This keeps well but if you're only using it for this, you probably only need a tablespoon or two of each thing. When the loaves come out, immediately paint (or pour, if you're lazy) them with syrup:

Be prepared to have lots of friends,

Tofu