Something to Do When It's Cold and Icy Outside.

This past weekend, Texas (and half the country) got hit with an ice storm. Everything shut down, the roads were a mess, and most of us were stuck inside watching the ice coat everything in sight.

So naturally, I made bread.

I'm Guyanese, but I grew up in the Antigua, and let me tell you—I love me some bread. There's nothing quite like fresh bread, still warm from the oven, with butter melting into every bite. Growing up, fresh bread was just part of life. Here in Texas? Not so much. So when I get the urge, I make it myself.

And there's something about being stuck inside during a storm that makes me want to bake. Maybe it's the warmth of the oven or maybe it's having something productive to do while you're waiting for the ice to melt. Either way, this weekend was perfect for it.

Golden crust. Soft, fluffy inside. That smell that fills your whole house and makes everything feel right.

It went perfectly with Bull Foot Soup. Yes, really. Rich, hearty, and exactly what you want when it’s freezing outside. (Don't make that face—it's delicious.) If you know, you know. If you don't, you're missing out.

The ice is half melted, but the bread was gone two days ago.

If you're stuck inside the next time the weather goes sideways, give this a try. It's beats doomscrolling through weather updates.

And if you need something to do while your dough rises, read a romance novel. I write those.

Guyanese Plait Bread

Here's what you need:

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour

1 Cup Warm Water

1/3 Cup Warm Milk

1/3 Cup Melted Butter

1/4 Cup Sugar

1 Tablespoon Dry Active Yeast (Red Star Active Dry Yeast)

3/4 Teaspoon Salt (1/4 TSP + 1/2 TSP)

Temperature: 375 °F

1. Prepare the Dough:

   1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

   2. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid mixture, cover, and let it sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy.

   3. Add melted butter and milk to the yeast mixture.

   4. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt (add salt to flour to prevent yeast from leavening too early).

   5. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture.

   6. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

   7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.

   8. Divide loaf into three sections. Roll each section long strands and braid, tucking in ends. Allow to prove for another 30 minutes

   9. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

   10. Brush egg wash (beaten egg and water) unto loaf and bake for 25-3 minutes

   11. Brush with melted butter as soon as removed from oven and allow to cool.