What do YOU think?

I'm soooo uninspired for challah this week. I don't know what to make. I know I can always make "regular" but last week's challah was such a bust. Luckily, we had LeighAnn's awesomeg guest post on Blueberry Challah to go in place of my pathetic loaf.

It's warm here in Wisconsin. Well, actually that's not true. It's completely random temperature-wise. Last Friday it was in the 70s and humid. This week it was in the 50s and rainy. Tomorrow is predicted for warm again. These temperature problems are not good for my allergies (I'm avoided Allegra lately because although I like the clear sinuses, some of the other side effects are undesirable), my clarinet reeds (did I mention I'm a musician), and my challah... which turns into lumpy, shapeless blobs.

I was actually really excited for last week's challah too... I had some bread flour for the first time to try. But I made my full batch recipe instead of my small batch. I don't know if that was the mistake or what. There was NO elasticity. No give. It was like braiding polenta, very much like the Spelt Challah. It was actually tasted great. But, it was such a bummer. The braids split and broke. I don't know what I did wrong. I was so embarassed, I didn't even take any pictures. The guests liked it, it tasted good, but it wasn't my usual standard.

So, what next? I'm thinking about attempting bread flour again, with the small batch recipe and see if I have more luck. I also have a very generous King Arthur Flour gift card that The Hazz's mother sent me for our anniversary. So, what should I buy? Should I experiment with exotics? Or buy pans? A little bit of both?

Any fancy recipes you recommend? Anything fun? Just words of advice? Talk me away from the ledge, folks!