The act of breaking bread together is an age-old tradition symbolizing unity, sharing, and fellowship. With our Circle of Friends Prosperity Bread, we elevate this tradition by adding elements of ritual and intention, creating not just a delicious loaf, but a symbol of shared aspirations and prosperity. This recipe incorporates a magical sigil for friendship and prosperity, etched onto the bread before baking.
The ingredients for this special bread are simple, representing the beauty in sharing and connecting:
- 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 1/4 cups of warm water (not hot)
- 3 1/2 cups of bread flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A handful of fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- A handful of coarse sea salt for topping
Begin your bread-making ritual by activating the yeast. Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Set it aside for ten minutes or until it foams. As yeast symbolizes growth and potential, envision your friendships blossoming and prospering as you prepare it.
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt, which stand for strength, stability, and grounding—vital qualities in friendship.
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in your activated yeast and olive oil. Olive oil symbolizes unity, serving as a bonding agent, similar to shared experiences and memories that strengthen friendships.
Stir until you form a dough. Now it's time to knead—each push, each fold charged with your intentions of prosperity and camaraderie for your circle of friends.
Form your dough into a ball and let it rest in an oiled bowl, covered, in a warm place. It should double in size over about two hours. As it expands, visualize your intentions and friendships expanding as well.
While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your rosemary and garlic. These herbs are known for their protective qualities, ensuring that your prosperity and friendships are guarded against negativity.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the gas bubbles. Then, shape it into a round loaf, embodying the unending circle of friendship and unity.
This is the moment to incorporate your magical sigil—a symbol designed with intent, in this case, for friendship and prosperity. You may have a preferred sigil or design your own. Use a sharp knife and etch the sigil on the surface of the dough. As you do this, focus on your intention and visualize it flowing into the sigil.
Now, press the prepared rosemary and minced garlic onto the top of your dough, adding another layer of protection and prosperity. Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Just before placing the dough into the oven, sprinkle it with coarse sea salt. Salt is an agent of purification, ensuring that your intentions remain pure and your friendships enduring.
Bake your bread for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. As it bakes, imagine the warmth of the oven magnifying your intentions, making them a reality.
After the bread is done, let it cool. When you finally break this bread with your friends, remind yourself and your circle of the shared prosperity you all envision. Every bite is a testament to your shared bond and intentions.
This Circle of Friends Prosperity Bread is more than a food—it's a symbol of your collective energy, love, and aspirations. As you share it, may prosperity and joy fill your gathering and your lives, as warmth and aroma fill your kitchen.