St. Joseph's Bread

I know, long time no post!  :-)

Yesterday, St. Joseph's Day, is to Italians like St. Patrick's Day is to the Irish.

In fact, today, in Italy, is their Father's day. Other than our Father in Heaven, good, virtuous St. Joseph is the best example of fatherhood, being chosen to be the foster-father to the Redeemer.

Following the traditions of my ancestors, I made many treats, including St. Joseph bread.

I modified a recipe I had so I could prepare it in my breadmaker.  After I got the 'stamp of approval' from my family, I thought I would share.  It really was delicious.  I hope you enjoy.  You certainly don't have to wait until St. Joseph's Day next year to make it for your family.  :-)

St. Joseph's Bread (also known as Pane di San Giuseppe)

3 cups bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons melted butter

3 tablespoons anise seed

1/3 cup raisins

1 tablespoon cornmeal

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

Place all wet ingredients in the breadmaker.  Follow with flour, anise seeds, cornmeal and salt. When adding the yeast, be sure that it is separate from the salt.  Salt counteracts yeast.  You don't want it to start counteracting until the yeast is activated.  :-)  Select the white bread cycle and  large (2 pound) loaf.  Press start.  When your machine beeps after the first mixing to let you know to add in any "extras," add the raisins.  

In a little over 3 hours, you will have a treat for your whole family to enjoy.

Linking up today with Full Plate Thursday and The Clever Chicks Blog Hop and Wise Woman Titus 2 Linkup

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