I also thought I might mention that I made Challah for the first time yesterday. Actually, it was the first time I ever made any sort of yeast bread at all.
With the holidays coming up, and having the time (and the inclination), I thought it would be a nice thing to try. My intention was to make two round loaves (the traditional shape for the Jewish New Year), and to make one "sample" braided loaf, so that the dear partner and I could taste it before the holidays (and I would therefore know whether I had to buy challah at a bakery, or at Wegman's).
We were quite pleased with my efforts. One of the round loaves spread a bit, so we decided to make it the sample loaf, and to fly against tradition by making the larger, braided one for Rosh Hashanah, with the smaller, round one for Kol Nidre and the breaking of the Yom Kippur fast.
I guess all the talk a couple of weeks ago about DR JMK's wife's challah also got me into the mood to try baking some myself.