Bread is the basic food for human life and every country and culture has it's own tradition or specialty. Bread is commonly referred to as the staff of life. In April we were busy at the church and in our homes making paska for Easter. This week I would like to talk a little about the most commonly known bread specifically the "church" bread called by many names such as Holy Bread, prosphora, or antidoron. Prosphora is a Greek word for offering. The holy bread is brought as an offering to God and the church, part of which will become the precious Body of our Lord. There is no butter, egg, sugar, shortening, or oil used at all. While working to make it, it is best to keep your mind clear and pure of distracting and evil thoughts by saying appropriate prayers, such as the repetition of the Jesus prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner". It is also proper to make the sign of the Cross on yourself, the flour and the pan you use to bake on.

Recipe for Prosphora

6 Cups plain white flour

2 ½ cups clear warm water (110 to 115 degrees F.)

1 package of quick rise yeast

1 tsp. Salt
1 prosphoron seal

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add to the flour and salt and knead until smooth, adding as much flour as need to make manageable. Put in a bowl and cover and let rise for 1 hour. When double in size, divide & shape into the sizes you need. Press the seal into the bread and let rise for ½ hour. Place in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size. Remove from pans, tap off excess flour and let cool on a rack.

Love,
Pani Deb