Chocolate Babka

This recipe was found in the CookingLight Magazine Double Holiday Issue from December of 2009.  I've wanted to to it ever since, and just haven't got to it.  Last Friday I wanted to give it a go.  The original recipe is not whole wheat, they only use white flour.  I decided that if the current whole wheat bread recipe I use (similar to the trainermomma's) worked for the cinnamon-raisin bread, then surely it will work for the Chocolate Babka.  And, much to my happiness and surprise, it was absolutely WONDERFUL!  This is how you do it:

Chocolate Babka

1 bread dough recipe
Filling [This is four a bread loaf made in a 9X5 in pan.  I use 8X4 in pans, so I halved everything except for the chopped chocolate (can't half the chocolate!)] :
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbs unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 ounces of  semisweet chocolate (about 1/2 cup) finely chopped

Streusel (I did not put this on top because I didn't want the extra calories, but the recipe calls for it)
2 tbs powdered sugar
1 tbs flour
1 tbs butter, softened

Make bread dough according to directions.
When dough is ready to shape, you want to:
1. Roll the dough into a square, then sprinkle the filling (simply mixed together) almost to the outside edge.  It's Okay if some of the filling leaks out as you shape the bread.  Roll the bread up into a loaf (like cinnamon rolls).
2. Twist it four times (I didn't count, I just twisted) as if wringing out a towel, but with a lighter touch. 
3. Place it into the prepared pan; it may  be a tight squeeze but that is okay.  It will look pretty!  Then sprinkle on the streusel topping if you desire (I did not do it, so who knows if mine is considered a true babka.  You can call it a chocoalte swirl bread if that sounds better!)
4. Let rise, and cook like you normally do.
5. Eat!  Its really good toasted, or just by itself.  I made the loaf on Friday, and its almost gone today.  I may be making more later, as well as some Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread too.  I have been craving it lately...

Once you find a good bread recipe, the possibilities are really endless.  You can do so much with it-make it savory or sweet.  Doesn't a sundried tomato bread just sound scrumptious?  Or maybe a Zucchini chocolate swirl bread... Hmmm, I might have to hit up my friends for some yummy zucchini and give a try!  I'll let you know how that goes!  Really the possibilities are endless!  Have fun baking!  Let me know what you think!