Milk and Honey Communion Bread

A chewy, slightly sweet, mild bread for communion—or make it as loaves for toasting or for sandwiches. This makes 2 large loaves. I shaped it into 2 one-pound rounds for communion and one 1 1/2 pound round for us to eat at home.

Milk and Honey Communion Bread
Milk and Honey Communion Bread

A chewy, slightly sweet, mild bread for communion—or make it as loaves for toasting or for sandwiches. This makes 2 large loaves. I shaped it into 2 one-pound rounds for communion and one 1 1/2 pound round for us to eat at home.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 0
  • Carbohydrate 732.873079711201 g
  • Cholesterol 178.60199553 mg
  • Fat 79.79705305854 g
  • Fiber 23.3554346077866 g
  • Protein 130.270266525476 g
  • Saturated Fat 41.954718931964 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1609g)
  • Sodium 6070.63677466888 mg
  • Sugar 709.517645103415 g
  • Trans Fat 10.443350007804 g
  • Calories 4214 calories

Step-by-step

  • Heat the milk and butter until very warm. Stir until butter is melted and cool (if necessary) to about 130F.
  • Add the yeast to the mixer bowl.
  • Pour in all the flour followed by the honey and the salt.
  • Pour the milk/butter mixture over all.
  • Fit the mixer with the dough hook and bring the dough together on low speed.
  • Increase the speed to medium and knead for 8 minutes (you can also do this by hand. It will take about 10-15 minutes. When ready, the dough will be very supple and extensible).
  • Gather the dough into a nice round and put back in the mixer bowl.
  • Brush on olive oil to thinly cover the exposed dough.
  • Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size, about two hours.
  • Press the gases out of the dough and scale 2 pieces of dough at 17 oz (this will yield 1 pound rounds after baking). (You can also scale 3 pieces of dough at 17 oz and still have enough left over to make a couple of small rolls).
  • Round each piece of dough and place on a well-seasoned stone or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the exposed surfaces with oil. You can cut decorative slits in the dough if you'd like.
  • Cover and let rise until almost doubled again, about an hour.
  • Bake at 375F for about 30-35 minutes, until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches 200F.
  • Let cool on racks completely before slicing.

My Simple Communion Bread Recipe: A Story of Shared Moments

Baking has always been a form of therapy for me. The rhythmic kneading, the comforting aroma of rising dough, the satisfying crust of a perfectly baked loaf – it's all deeply soothing. And when that loaf of bread becomes a centerpiece for sharing, a symbol of togetherness, the experience transcends mere culinary pleasure. That's the story behind this Milk and Honey Communion Bread.

This recipe isn't just about the process; it's about the moments. It's about creating a bread that’s both beautiful and comforting, suitable for a sacred ceremony or a simple family gathering. The sweetness of the honey marries perfectly with the richness of the milk, creating a subtly sweet, yet deeply satisfying loaf. I often find myself lost in thought as I knead the dough – reflecting on the week gone by, or perhaps the plans I have for the week ahead. The slow, methodical work is a quiet escape, a meditation of sorts, and it's in this quiet time that the best ideas often come to me.

The texture is what truly sets this bread apart. It’s wonderfully chewy, with a slight spring to it – perfect for toasting with butter and jam, making a satisfying sandwich, or serving alongside a bowl of hearty soup. And when shaped into smaller rounds, like I did recently for a small communion service in my community, it adds a certain elegance to the ceremony. It was deeply moving to see the sharing of this bread, this simple act of communion enhanced by the warm, inviting aroma and the pleasing appearance of the loaves.

I’ve adjusted the recipe over time, experimenting with different flours and even adding a touch of cinnamon occasionally for a warmer flavor profile. But the core components – the milk, honey, and the simple act of sharing – remain unchanged. It's a recipe that has evolved alongside my own life, reflecting the changes and growth I’ve experienced. The process is almost ritualistic, a welcome respite from the daily grind, providing a sense of calm amid the chaos of modern life.

The beauty of baking, and this recipe in particular, lies in its adaptability. Whether it’s a special occasion like a communion service or just a simple weeknight dinner, this Milk and Honey Communion Bread becomes a focal point for connection. It's a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed through patience and care. And isn’t that what life is all about? Taking simple things and making them extraordinary, sharing those moments of simple joy with those we cherish.

So go ahead, try this recipe. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, the warmth of the bread fill your heart, and the simple act of baking bring you peace and joy. And remember, the best recipes are often those shared with others, those moments of connection that bind us together. This bread is more than just sustenance; it’s a symbol of shared moments, of warmth, and of the simple, timeless pleasures of life.

Baking this bread has become a personal ritual, a way for me to connect with myself and my loved ones. It’s a reminder that even in the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s always time for simple pleasures, for acts of kindness, and for the quiet satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch.

I encourage you to adapt this recipe to your own liking. Experiment with different herbs or spices, change up the shape of the loaves, or use different types of flour. The most important ingredient is your love and intention poured into the process. Happy baking!