I was home for the holidays, in which my mothers cooking always leaves me inspired, both by memories from my childhood and to work off the ten pounds I gained at home! Therefore, today I'm going to act upon both ideas and find the time for Pilates and to make Roman bread, a medium density, sandwich bread that a dear friend of the family, Mrs. Bicknel, use to make for my family when we would go to her home for Christmas. In later years my mom began making this bread as well, surprising the family with delicious little sandwiches that lasted no more than the first 24 hours in which they were made. So today I share it with you, assuming that once the bread is made, my roommate, boyfriend, and I will consume it faster than my family ever could, which is impressive!
The ingredients:
1 pkg active dry yeast
1 ¼ c very warm water
2 T soft shortening (Crisco)
2 t salt
2 T sugar
3 c sifted flour
The process:
I began by dissolving the yeast, mixing the flour, sugar, salt and left the beautiful lump of dough to rise. In the meantime, I indulged in too much time spent on the computer, trying to get chores accomplished, and then pushed myself to my Pilates mat. Thank goodness it takes bread awhile to rise, because my procrastination always gets the best of me.
As I was kneading the bread I was reminded of both home and a conversation I had earlier this week about sharing meals together and intentional fellowship. What is it about bread specifically that is a gathering factor for people? I very much appreciate the heart of most Middle Eastern cultures that gather over tea or bread, taking the time to be with one another. The process of making bread is labor intensive, a process of planting and harvest. The time then spent partaking of the bread represents sharing, rest, sacrifice, friendship, respect, gratitude and relationship. It’s no wonder Jesus often met with others over a meal, spoke of Himself in terms of the bread of life, and then left this example for the church to gather together in the same manner. This made me ask myself, do I look at my daily encounters with people with such intentionality? I know I need to take more time to sit with my friends and truly be with them, instead of being distracted by the anxieties, technology and schedules of life. In retrospect, I am thankful for the time of food, fellowship and rest with my family over the holidays, even if we did eat continuously! There is something very valuable about the time spent, and I find myself wanting to make some changes in my life so that I might have more "Sabbath moments" in my every day, with God, and with others. This is my challenge to myself this New Year. You just witnessed what goes on in my mind while kneading bread. I apologize you had to be exposed to that!
It took all day for the bread to rise, and it remains a little flat. Oh well! I worked the dough into the pan and gently brushed the top of the bread with oregano, egg whites and other spices, popping the bread in the oven with anticipation! When the bread was done my roommate and I both decided it was a delicious success! I smell my home in the air, and I think Mrs. Bicknel would be proud! In conclusion, the smell of bread baking is good for the soul and the perfect way to end a lovely, Sunday afternoon! Thought of the day: This week, take time to meet a dear friend, pour of mug of warm coffee or tea and if you have the time, bake some bread…or even just warm some in the oven to share! You’ll be glad you did!
Your baking enthusiast and nostalgic soul,
Sarah
No comments:
Post a Comment