St. Joseph'S Bread
St. Joseph's Bread is a festive, aromatic loaf featuring anise seeds and a braided design, perfect for special occasions or hearty family breakfasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, butter, anise seed, and salt like a pie crust.
- Add the warm milk, beaten eggs, dry yeast, and water to the mixture.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and braid into 10 small loaves, starting at the center and braiding both ways.
- Let the braided loaves rise again.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of warm milk. You can substitute anise seed with fennel seeds if preferred. Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until the desired consistency is reached. Kneading well is crucial for a light texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve St. Joseph's Bread warm or at room temperature, sliced thick with a dollop of butter or jam. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. This bread also complements Mediterranean recipes like Eggplant, Onion And Tomato Bake as a side dish, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover St. Joseph's Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. Joseph'S Bread contains roughly 418 calories, with 16g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help maintain moisture in the bread while keeping it vegan.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; it should read around 190°F to 200°F when fully baked.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the bread?
Absolutely! You can incorporate dried fruits like raisins or currants, or nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also give a unique twist to your St. Joseph's Bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).