Tomorrow we celebrate the Winter Solstice and Yule. Yule represents the rebirth of light. You can celebrate the returning Sun by making Sun Bread with the children.
Supplies Needed:
2 1/2 Cups Unbleached Flour
1 Package Dry Yeast
1 1/2 Cups Milk
1/2 Cup Water
3 Tbsp. Honey*
3 Tbsp. Margarine or Butter
3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 1/2 Tsp. Salt
2 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
*added to give this bread a sweeter flavor
In a large bowl, mix flour and yeast. Heat milk, water, margarine, brown sugar and salt on low. Add to flour mixture. Stir several minutes (remember to let children hep during this entire process, have them take turns and be patient. The goal is not to have bread, it is to enjoy the process of making the bread.) Add whole wheat flour until dough forms. Knead on floured table until smooth and elastic (children love this part!). Place in greased bowl. Cover and let rise until it doubles in bulk.
Have children clean up what they can (you will return later to finish), wash hands and go play!
After the dough has risen, you will need to punch down the dough. The best way to do this is to let children pound the dough with their fists. After you have done this, shape your dough into a flat circle. Make slits all the way around the circle spaced apart.
Now to make the Sun's Rays. Twist each 'Ray' once or twice and pinch together with the one next to it to make a triangle. IF you have extra dough, make a face on your Sun Bread or use cookie cutters to add shapes to decorate.
Cover and let rise to double.
After let the children watch you place the bread into the oven in a pan and set at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Enjoy this special Winter Solstice treat!
(this sweet little note was on Maia's desk when I tucked her into bed last night - the spirit of Christmas is truly alive in our house right now)
