I would like to share the fond memories I have with sweet bread.  Sweet bread is the comfort food that was well known in my family, which takes me down memory lane.  It brings a smile to my face when thinking about it, hunger with the smell, and satisfaction once I eat it. 

            My parents did not have a lot money when I was growing up. My dad, may he rest in peace, used to be the sole provider for a family of nine.  Money had to be stretched very thin because we were all big eaters.  Therefore, one of the cheap and filling ways to go about this was feeding us hot chocolate and sweet bread, aside from rice, beans, and tortillas, in place of a meal.  Because it was inexpensive, it was often served at home.  My mom was hardly an affectionate person, but when she prepared this so-called meal, she was always happy and loving.  One day I asked her why she was always happy when making this meal and she said it reminded her of her childhood.  My grandparents were poor, and my grandma also made this meal and it was served with love.  My favorite sweet breads were the conchas, mantecados, and orejitas, but the conchas were and are my ultimate favorite. 

            My paternal grandpa was a baker.  He taught all my aunts and uncles to bake bread and hoped that at least one of them would continue the business he poured his heart and soul into, but none of them did.  My dad never got into it; however, every now and then he would surprise us and make conchas.  I liked sitting on the dining table and watch him mix the ingredients.  The whole process caused the kitchen to become like a bakery.  It is the only time I ever saw my dad wear an apron.  Sometimes he would let me help him prepare the dough, place them in the oven then watch them rise into half-moons.  I could never remember how he put the sugar on top of the bread, but I made sure of taking and eating one of the conchas soon after a batch would come out of the oven.  

            Now that I have grown up, sweet bread and hot chocolate is still a meal I have every now and then because I like it.  Bread is a weakness to me and it reminds me of a childhood memory.  I know that it is bad for the body; after all it is bread.  I know I am taking in nothing more than calories and carbohydrates, but they are so good.  I will have one here and there unless it is the holidays.  I will overdo it then because the temptation is too hard to resist.

            I have two kids and I have made this meal a family tradition.  My kids also love eating conchas.  It pleases me to see them anxiously await the sweet bread to be served with hot chocolate, like I did when I was a kid. 

            I imagine the way I feel when I prepare this meal is how my nom did every time she prepared it for my siblings and me.  I hope that my kids will continue this tradition with their kids.  Other than just a memory, it brings a sense of home, warmth and togetherness with the family.