Best 2 St Josephs Bread Recipes

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St. Joseph's Bread, sometimes referred to as St. Joseph's Day Bread, is a traditional Italian bread that holds significant importance in many cultures. The bread is often prepared on certain holidays, festivals, or in honor of Saint Joseph, who is revered as the patron saint of workers, carpenters, and fathers. It is believed that baking this bread and sharing it among family and friends brings blessings, good fortune, and protection. While there are variations in the recipe and its symbolism across regions and families, St. Joseph's Bread is generally characterized by its round shape, decorative markings, and unique flavor.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BREAD



St. Joseph's Day Bread image

Saint Joseph was Mary's husband and the adoptive father of her child, Jesus. A poor carpenter, he did all he could to raise this Child with love and caring. Every March 19th, Italians everywhere celebrate the role Joseph had in raising Jesus and caring for his family. This is a lovely traditional bread posted from an online source in response to a recipe request. The hard work could be done in a bread machine on the dough cycle. Prep time is approximate.

Provided by Molly53

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 3h35m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon honey
2/3 cup hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons anise
1/3 cup golden raisin
1 tablespoon cornmeal

Steps:

  • Stir together in a large bowl 1 1/2 cups of the flour, yeast, honey, hot water, salt, butter and anise seeds and mix into a smooth batter.
  • Stir in the golden raisins and beat for another 10 minutes, gradually adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky (you may not need to use all the flour).
  • Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, and turn to coat.
  • Cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Grease a baking sheet and dust with cornmeal.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and punch down.
  • Roll into a long tight loaf, and place seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Use a sharp serrated knife to make 3 or four diagonal slashes on the top.
  • Cover and let rise in warm place until double in size, about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mist the loaf with water of vinegar before baking, and twice during.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BREAD



St. Joseph's Day Bread image

Posted by request. This bread is usually made once a year to celebrate St. Joseph's Day (March 19th). Prep time includes all kneading/rising time (approx. 2 1/2 hours).

Provided by Dee514

Categories     Yeast Breads

Time 2h55m

Yield 2 braided loaves

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups water (not hot)
2 (2 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 tablespoons shortening
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cooking oil
2 teaspoons salt
4 -4 1/2 cups flour
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the water, yeast, shortening, sugar, oil and salt.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixer bowl, put 2 1/2 cups of the flour, add liquid (yeast) mixture.
  • Beat by hand or on low speed of electric mixer until all ingredients are well blended.
  • Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
  • Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes of kneading).
  • Shape dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl.
  • Turn dough once to grease all surfaces.
  • Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled (about 40-60 minutes).
  • Punch down dough, and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
  • Cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  • Roll each piece (by hand) into a 12 inch long rope.
  • Using 3 ropes for each loaf, braid the dough and secure the ends of the braid by tucking the ends underneath.
  • Place the braids on greased baking sheets.
  • Cover the braids, and let rise until nearly doubled (about 30-45 minutes).
  • Brush top and sides of loaves with the beaten egg.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • Bake in a 400°F oven for 25 minutes, or until bread tests done and is golden brown.
  • Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.

Tips:

  • Using Fresh Yeast: If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute fresh yeast. For every 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, use 2.25 teaspoons of fresh yeast.
  • Activating the Yeast: Before adding the yeast to the dough, it's essential to activate it. To do this, dissolve the yeast in warm water (105-115°F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  • Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. This will help develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread a chewy texture.
  • Rising the Dough: Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours. This will allow the yeast to produce carbon dioxide, which will create air pockets in the bread.
  • Baking the Bread: Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

Conclusion:

St. Joseph's Bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain, toasted, or filled with your favorite fillings, this bread is sure to satisfy. With its soft and chewy texture and delicate flavor, St. Joseph's Bread is a perfect addition to any meal or occasion.

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