Introductory

The prosforo is an offering to God for a person or persons. Be sure to pray for them while you are preparing it. And be clean inside and out. Use no oil whatsoever, not even for the pan, and not for your hands. The seal must show clearly. Flour the seal, wipe of excess, press very hard and remove slowly. Do not let the bread rise too much--this will erase the seal. The texture should be dense, not airy. It should be golden, not dark brown. Use no more than one package of yeast. Again, do not let the bread rise too much--it should rise until it is almost double in size. Do not overcook! Do not have a hard crust. When you remove the loaf from the oven, wrap it in a towel to cool. This will soften the crust.

Recipe

The followng recipe always works: 1 package of yeast 2 1/2 cups of tepid water 1 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 7 cups of flour Put yeast in water with the sugar. When yeast is dissolved (about ten minutes) add the salt and mix in half of the flour and stir with a wooden spoon. Mix the rest of the flour by hand until the dough is firm. Kneed until smooth (a good time to use for prayer). Divide the dough and place in two floured 8" or 9" pans. Press in seal. Cover pans and let rise. Make 5 or 6 pricks with a toothpick around outer edge of the seal's impression. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.