Savor the Flavor

Making Prosfora – Holy Communion Bread The Prosfora (Offerings) in the early Church were brought to the Church for the Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist or Holy Communion - along with the pure grape wine. Today when we make Prosfora we are making the same offerings to God. The process itself is a sacred undertaking, and the Faithful who receive a blessing to do so, prepare themselves with prayer and fasting. Prayer Before Making Prosfora O Lord Jesus Christ, Only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Who has said with Thy most pure lips: “Without Me you can do nothing,” help me, a sinner, to prepare the Bread of Offering, that the works of my hands may be acceptable at Thy Holy Table, and may become, through the operation of Thy Holy Spirit, the Communion of Thy Most Pure Body – for me and for all Thy people. In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Recipe for Making Prosfora 7 cups of the purest white flour available (do not sift) 1 pkg of yeast 1 tsp of salt

3 cups of lukewarm water 1 stamp Prosfora stamp/seal

Assembling Prosfora Ingredients:

Mix flour and salt together.

Warm the water to about 100 0 F. Use a thermometer to gauge temp.

Dissolve the yeast in a large bowl with the warm water. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes.

Add yeasted water gradually to the mixed flour and salt.

Knead the dough for approx. 20 minutes, until it doesn’t stick to your hands. You will have to gauge whether to add a little more water or more flour. (You want the dough to be soft and pliable when kneading.) Let the kneaded dough rise in a large bowl that you cover with a slightly damp thin cloth/towel, in a warm place with no drafts. Let rise 1.5 to 2 hours. Prepare two 9” pans. Use melted beeswax on pans. Or just sprinkle with flour. (Alternately, use a large baking sheet with parchment paper on it.) Knead the dough again for a fewmoreminutes, pinching the dough to eliminate crevices and any bubbles until very smooth, turning it over a couple of times. Divide the dough into two round pieces and each piece into two more; you will have 4 portions.

Savor The Flavor

145