By Rosie Moore

“Give us today our daily bread.” Matt: 6:11

Bread is the symbol of all our human needs: food, clothing, housing, health; also of the wisdom we need to earn our bread in the modern world. In this prayer we plead that God will provide for us on a temporary basis. Bread is also the symbol of our eternal needs. That’s why Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” We must receive the Bread of Life from His hand every day because it is essential to us. Every time we take communion, we are reminded that His body was broken for us, just like the grain of wheat is crushed to provide us with bread. With this prayer we also ask God to meet our spiritual needs.’”

This little chapter I took from a book titled, “Trusting in God.”  I love to cook, but I cannot make bread. My husband was excellent at making bread, his mother taught him, and she baked bread every morning. I cannot knead, it won’t rise for me, if it does rise, then it will flop down for me, my hands get all messy trying to make it behave. I’m including a delicious bread recipe. Hope you enjoy it.

POTATO BREAD

1 c. leftover mashed potatoes.

1/2c. butter, melted, (one stick)

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. whole milk, lukewarm

5-6 c. all-purpose flour

2 (1/4 oz.) packs rapid rise active dry yeast

In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, mix together mashed potatoes, butter, and beaten eggs. Add yeast, sugar, and milk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Let rest for 5 minutes or until bubbles begin to form on top… With the mixer running add flour one cup at a time, until dough comes together. The amount can vary depending on the stiffness of the mashed potatoes. After all of flour has been incorporated, increase the speed of mixer and knead until smooth and elastic, around 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for the same amount of time until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Turn to coat. Cover and allow to rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, around 1-1/2- 2 hours. Punch down to release air bubbles. Divide in half. Place in 2 buttered 8×4” loaf pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled, 1-2 hours. Bake at 375 deg. in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped in the middle. Check at 20 minutes and lay a piece of aluminum foil on top to prevent over browning, if needed. Cool on a cooling rack.  Yield-2 loaves.

As I’ve said before, I can’t bake bread, so I haven’t tried this recipe. It certainly sounds complicated but many of my friends have assured me, it is not. I will take their word for it. Try it, and let me know.

Thought for the day: God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame. Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Send comments to rosemerrie@att.net or call 865-748-4717.  Thank you.