Traditional St. Joseph’s Day Bread Recipe
Preparation Time: 3 hours
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Description: Every March 19th, Italians around the world celebrate Saint Joseph, the loving husband of Mary and the devoted adoptive father of Jesus. As a poor carpenter, Joseph’s life was marked by unwavering love and care for his family. To honor his dedication, many prepare this traditional St. Joseph’s Day Bread. This recipe, which you can conveniently prepare using a bread machine on the dough cycle, embodies the spirit of Saint Joseph with its rich flavors and heartwarming aroma. This delightful bread is not only a testament to tradition but also an affordable and wholesome treat.
Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, European, Healthy, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2/3 cup hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon anise seeds
- 3/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup cornmeal
Instructions:
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Mix the Ingredients: Begin by stirring together 1 1/2 cups of the flour with the active dry yeast, honey, hot water, salt, butter, and anise seeds in a large bowl. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth batter, ensuring that the yeast is well combined.
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Incorporate the Raisins: Add the golden raisins to the batter, continuing to beat for an additional 10 minutes. Gradually incorporate more flour, a little at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive mass.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky. Be cautious not to add too much flour; you may not need all of it.
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First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in a warm, draft-free location. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
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Shape the Loaf: Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and punch it down to release excess air. Shape the dough into a long, tight loaf, placing it seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp serrated knife to make 3 or 4 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf.
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Second Rise: Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes.
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Bake the Bread: Before placing the loaf in the oven, mist it lightly with water or vinegar. This helps to develop a crispy crust. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy this traditional St. Joseph’s Day Bread as a lovely tribute to a revered figure and a cherished family tradition.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 157.6
- Fat Content: 2.6 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol Content: 5.1 mg
- Sodium Content: 112.7 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 30 g
- Fiber Content: 1.4 g
- Sugar Content: 3.9 g
- Protein Content: 3.9 g
Enjoy making and sharing this special bread with your loved ones as you celebrate the enduring legacy of Saint Joseph. 🍞✨
