Holiday Bread - Giorti Psomi

By Ruth Winkler

Put these ingredients in mixer bowl:

• 3 cups flour

• 3⁄4 cup sugar

• 2 packages yeast (4 1⁄2 tsp.)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1⁄4 teaspoon soda

• 1⁄2 cup mashed potato

• 3 eggs

In saucepan combine and heat to 120 degrees. Use a thermometer. No warmer or it will be too hot for the yeast.

• 1⁄2 cup butter (1 stick)

• 1 cup water + 1⁄4 cup milk

Pour this mixture in with the other ingredients.

Mix together using a spoon and your hands OR use a mixer with a dough hook. Add another 3 cups flour (1/2 cup at a time) until the dough is no longer sticky and can be handled.

Place in a greased bowl, then turn dough over and cover with a towel to let rise until doubled (about one hour).

Punch dough down. With this recipe you will make three loaves of bread. Oil your hands. Divide into dough into three sections. Now divide each section into three parts and mold into “ropes.”

Braid the ropes.

When it’s time to shape the dough, think of how God takes us as we are and shapes us – moves us and molds us into the people we were born to be. It’s work—not always easy but we know God is at work in us all the time. Shaping the dough takes some practice. Enjoy the process. You are the creator.

After you have braided the first one, no matter how it looks, - give thanks! Slow down. Make three more “ropes.” Braid them. Enjoy. Be aware of God’s spirit in you. Make the “ropes” for your third loaf. Enjoy the process. Paint bread with egg yolk and if you wish, sprinkle pecan halves or walnut pieces on the bread.

Bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Now you have one loaf for yourself, one loaf for your family and one loaf to give away. Enjoy!