Bake Bethlehem Bread

You Will Need:

4 cups – all purpose flour
1 cup + 2 Tbsp – Whole Milk
1 tsp. – Salt
1/4 cup – sugar
1/4 cup – shortening
1 package – yeast
egg wash
coarse sea salt

Directions

• Line a baking sheet with a baking mat or lightly grease and set aside.
• Warm milk to room temperature. Mix sugar, salt, and yeast with milk. Whisk until all lumps are gone and the liquid is smooth.
• Sift flour and pour into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour the yeast mixture into the well. Begin mixing with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to incorporate. Gradually add shortening until it is thoroughly mixed. Knead dough with your hands until it is smooth and firm.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and place on a prepared baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise approximately 45 minutes–1 hour.
• After about an hour, cut dough into lemon-sized portions. You should have about 9–10 small portions of dough. Coat each piece of dough with a small amount of shortening to keep the dough moist.
• Cut each piece of dough into two equal pieces and roll the dough with the palms of your hands into two ropes approximately 6 inches long. Press the ends of the two ropes together and braid one on top of the other.
• Starting at one end of your twist, gently roll the dough into a circle. Tuck the ends into the bottom and press gently to mold.
• Cover baking sheets with kitchen towels and allow dough to rise for 3 hours. Brush each roll with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
• Remind your family that Bethlehem in Hebrew means “House of Bread.” Share the rolls with a neighbor or friend and pray for that person to experience the love of Jesus this Christmas