There are several ways and methods to make the 'offering' bread. At Holy Apostles, some bakers utilize the traditional wooden seal, while others employ the use of a very good, cast-aluminum product which also produces a very good seal. We thank The Gifted Pan and Ms. Tina Vamvakias for providing this great product. For more information about The Gifted Pan please follow the link: http://www.thegiftedpan.com.
The Gifted Pan Recipe for Offering Bread(Prosforo).
Directions for use with a KitchenAid mixer. If making without a mixer, knead for about 20 minutes, or until soft dough is formed. Bread machine directions - follow manufacturer’s directions thru rising, take out of bread machine and follow directions for placing and baking in The Gifted Pan.
Ingredients
4 C all - purpose flour (tested with Pillsbury Best all purpose flour)
1 tsp. salt
1 package dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp.)
1 ½ C very warm water (more or less, as needed - not too hot or you may kill the yeast)
Begin with the Trisagion Prayer
Mix dry ingredients together. Add water slowly, mixing well until a dough is formed. Using your dough hook set on #2 speed , mix for about 8 minutes. Add flour or water as needed to form soft dough. The consistency should be such that the dough does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Place the dough onto a floured surface, knead and form into a ball. Place in a bowl, cover with a clean cloth and let it rise until double in size ~ 30 minutes.
Trisagion Prayer
Once the dough has risen, punch down and let it rest for a few minutes. Preheat pan for about 5 minutes just until it is warm. Pinch off ~ 1/3 of the dough and knead, poppi ng air bubbles with a toothpick. Form into a ball with a very smooth surface. Flatten with a rolling pin. Place the smooth side down into The Gifted Pan and press firmly into the seal in order to make a more distinct impression. Lightly moisten between the layers with water. Take the remaining dough, knead, pop air bubbles and flatten as above. Place into The Gifted Pan and press down for an even surface - spreading out to walls of pan . Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for ~ 1 hour. When it is done, immediately remove from the pan , cover with a towel and let it cool on a rack.
Close with the Trisagion and Prosforon Prayers
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (x3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name’s sake.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the S on and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name: Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Priest, if present, says:
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
If a priest is not present, we say:
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.
Prosforon Prayer
This bread that we have baked represents each one of us in this family and in our congregation. We are offering ourselves to You, our very life, in humble obedience and total commitment to You. We place ourselves on Your holy altar through this bread to be used by You in any way You feel will help enlarge Your kingdom. Accept our gift and make us worthy to receive the greater gift that You will give us when you consecrate this bread and give it back to us as Your precious body. Amen.
