Silent Night Bread

It is officially December. Therefore, no one can stop you from putting up your tree, singing Christmas songs, and/or putting up lights outside. (But let's face it, most the world did it weeks ago). It is such a great time of the year and everybody knows it. It is not only a time for generosity and for love but a beautiful spirit comes when we focus on the true reason of this holiday. Commemorating our Savior, Jesus Christ's birth. Our Savior who came into this world to willingly give His life in the most excruciating way in order to fulfill God's plan. According to the nature of all things in our universe, if someone sins, their spirit is cut off from the presence of God. Yet, our Savior, Jesus Christ, offered a sacrifice unto God that He would come to this Earth and die and take that consequence of sin for all the repentant souls. Thus keeping the order of the world, while allowing us to repent and come unto God no matter how many times we mess up.  He saved us from spiritual death and gave us the opportunity for everlasting life. Someone I know once said something very profound. He said, "I know that Christ died for me because even if He were to do it again in order to only save me, He would have." I have thought about this a lot since, and I believe it will help me truly appreciate this holiday season more than I ever have. So in this beautiful season of Christmas, may we all pray to keep Christ in our hearts and remember His coming into this world. Today I played Silent Night on the piano and the spirit of Christmas gently filled my house as the lights from the Christmas tree illuminated the music sheet. The bread recipe that I created today was the first of many soon-to-come Holiday recipes. So to start of this month long baking marathon, I announce the recipe of my newest creation: Silent Night Bread. <3

 

*MAKES ONE LOAF*

I warn you before hand. Like most other breads, this one does take a long to make but I PROMISE it is worth it. SO YUMMY!

Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 Cups warm water
• 1 Tb. sugar (I used palm coconut sugar. other unrefined sugars work too such as sucanat, honey, turbinado sugar, etc.)
• 1 Cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 Tb. olive oil
• 4-3/4 to 5 Cups whole wheat flour
• 2/3 Cup rolled oats
• 1 tsp. sea salt

1. Mix together water, sugar, shredded coconut, then yeast. Stir it slightly and let it foam for ten minutes.
2. In a larger bowl, mix together the 4-3/4 Cup flour, oats, and salt.
3. Pour oil into the middle of the flour mixture.
4. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and mix together with a spoon.
5. Once ingredients are well combined, knead with hands for five minutes. (If the mixture is super sticky add the remaining flour)
6. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for  1 hour.
7. Once the hour is up, take out the risen mixture and knead it on a well floured surface.
8. Make sure to knead out all possible air bubbles.
9. Place the bread dough into a greased bread pan and let it rise for one more hour. (Excruciating! I know. Especially if you're hungry)
10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
11. Place the pan in the oven and let cook unto a knife can be inserted and removed clean. Approximately 35-40 minutes.
12. Let it cool and slice.
13. Eat, enjoy, and don't forget about Christ. <3