friday night dinner

Friday nights aren't given enough credit. Most people avoid hosting dinner after the work week but, in my opinion, it's a fine night to enjoy good food and wine with friends. It's even better if your friend is Julie and she wants to bring homemade challah.

Challah is a traditional Jewish egg bread and it's often served at Shabbat dinner (Friday nights!) and at holiday time. Truly, it's a bread to be enjoyed at anytime.


Last Friday I introduced challah to muhammara, a Syrian roasted red pepper and walnut spread (I found the recipe in Bon Appetit). The slighty spicy dip paired beautifully with the sweetness of the homemade bread. Best of all, muhammara is a cinch to make if you have walnuts and a jar of roasted red peppers handy and it's a great substitute for hummus.

The remainder of our meal included basil breadcrumb chicken, green beans, a tossed salad and a raspberry-buttermilk cake (also courtesy of our friend the bake!). Fun Friday times!