Communion Bread. Mrs. S. A. Young. Recipe

Communion bread, also known as altar bread or sacramental bread, has a rich history and holds great significance in religious ceremonies. It is a fundamental element in the Christian tradition of the Eucharist, symbolizing the body of Christ. The recipe for Communion Bread has been passed down through generations and varies across different communities and denominations.

Here is a traditional recipe for Communion Bread, inspired by Mrs. S. A. Young:

Ingredients:
- 1 pint flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Water (as needed)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to a slow temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and butter.
3. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, rub the ingredients together until they resemble coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add water to the mixture, a little at a time, until it forms a stiff dough.
5. Divide the dough into two even pieces.
6. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to a thickness similar to that of a heavy pie crust.
7. Transfer the rolled dough to white paper, such as parchment or wax paper.
8. Cut the dough into strips about one-fourth inch wide. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this.
9. Place the strips of dough, still on the paper, onto baking sheets.
10. Bake the Communion Bread in the preheated slow oven until it turns a light golden color and becomes crisp. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
11. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
12. Store the Communion Bread in an airtight container until it is ready to be used during a religious ceremony.

Fun facts about Communion Bread:
- The use of bread in religious ceremonies dates back thousands of years and has roots in ancient Jewish traditions.
- In some Christian denominations, the bread used for Holy Communion is made without leavening agents, representing the unleavened bread that Jesus and his disciples consumed during the Last Supper.
- The size and shape of Communion Bread can vary from small, flat circular discs to larger squares or rectangles. The choice of shape often depends on regional customs or personal preferences.
- Traditionally, the bread is broken by a priest or minister during the religious service to symbolize the breaking of Christ's body.

Similar recipes:
1. Matzo Bread: Matzo bread is a traditional Jewish unleavened bread, often used during Passover. Like Communion Bread, it is a simple recipe that includes flour and water, without any leavening agents.
2. Lavash: Lavash is a thin, unleavened flatbread popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made with flour, water, and sometimes a little oil. Lavash can be baked until crisp or used as a soft wrap for various fillings.
3. Tortillas: Tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are made from flour or corn. Like Communion Bread, tortillas are often thin and flat and can serve as a vessel for various fillings.

Whether it is called Communion Bread, sacramental bread, or altar bread, this humble recipe plays a significant role in religious ceremonies around the world. Its simplicity and symbolism make it a cherished tradition for many Christians.