St. Joseph's Day Bread, also known as Fava Bread, is a traditional Italian sweet bread that holds a special place in the hearts of many. This iconic bread is characterized by its golden-brown crust, soft and fluffy interior, and the unique addition of anise seeds, imparting a subtle yet distinct flavor. With variations ranging from simple to intricately decorated, St. Joseph's Day Bread is not only a culinary delight but also a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and blessings in Italian culture.
In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of carefully curated St. Joseph's Day Bread recipes, each offering a unique take on this time-honored tradition. From the classic recipe that captures the essence of this beloved bread to more contemporary renditions with creative twists, there's something for every taste and skill level. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, let these recipes guide you in creating a delectable masterpiece that will bring joy and prosperity to your table on St. Joseph's Day.
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BREAD
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
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
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
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 high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Opt for fresh oranges and lemons for a vibrant citrus flavor.
- Ensure the yeast is active and bubbly before adding it to the dough. This guarantees that the bread rises properly.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, giving the bread a chewy texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic and create a light and airy bread.
- Bake the bread in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature. This ensures an evenly baked bread with a crispy crust.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents the bread from tearing.
Conclusion:
St. Joseph's Day Bread is a delicious and symbolic bread traditionally prepared to celebrate St. Joseph's Day. With its unique combination of citrus flavors, anise seeds, and a cross-shaped design, it holds cultural and religious significance. By following the shared tips and experimenting with different recipes, you can create a delightful loaf of St. Joseph's Day Bread that embodies the spirit of this special occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this bread is an excellent opportunity to honor tradition and enjoy a tasty treat.
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