Greek Church Bread (Prosphoron)

1. 1

   Sprinkle yeast over 1/4 cup warm water; stir until dissolved.

2. 2

   Combine 5 1/2 cups of flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the center.

3. 3

   Pour in yeast and remaining warm water.

4. 4

   Mix with a wooden spoon.

5. 5

   Sprinkle remaining flour over a board.

6. 6

   Knead 10 minutes, adding as a little flour as possible to the board.

7. 7

   Dough will be sticky.

8. 8

   Put dough into a large bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.

9. 9

   Sprinkle board with a little flour, punch dough down, and knead 15 minutes.

10. 10

    (Dough should be firm and smooth.)

11. 11

    Form into a large round loaf and place in a heavily floured 12-inch round pan.

12. 12

    Lightly flour the top of the loaf.

13. 13

    Flour the prosphoron seal.

14. 14

    Press seal down firmly in the center to make a sharp impression and leave on the dough.

15. 15

    Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until double in bulk.

16. 16

    Remove seal.

17. 17

    Bake at 350 F. for 1 hour.

18. 18

    Remove from pan to cool.

19. 19

    CAI Greek Cookbook

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.