Alex made me sugar brioche today and it was one of the best gifts ever. It was unexpected and somehow exactly what I wanted. We aren't that great about giving each other gifts, so this was a total surprise.
An individual brioche is one of my favorite pastries. I don't get it very often because finding great brioche is like finding a unicorn in the desert. This was an experience. The bread was still warm, the cooling edges slowly setting up, so some bits were crisp and some were chewy. I broke the pastry open to reveal the delicate inner layers and peeled them off. They were soft and tender, substantial yet light, with those crunchy-chewy edges to provide texture and contrast. There were no glazes or fillings to distract from the crust and crumb or from the flavor of butter and sugar that carried it to the next level. I savored one by myself in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. It was one of those perfect moments that comes when we least expect it.
