First Weekday of Advent

2 Peter 1:1-11

Plodding on

"Make every effort....

This probably the most that I can do, make an effort towards God, not so much that I will receive a warm welcome at the pearly gates but that those whom I meet during the day will be given a pointer towards those gates. Little by little and step by step as we prepare for Christmas, Christ's coming to us may we make steps towards him "by every turn remembering goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.⁸For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be a good companion.

Bread

Hmm,

I thought this recipe was here already. I cannot imaging why not since it is so basic to our existence,

just as basic and God.

3.5 cups flour*

1 teaspoon dried yeast

1/3 cup oil*

maybe 2 cups warm water- warm to your pinky

*

flour, 100% wholemeal is best for you but 3 cups of wholemeal and 1/2 cup white gives a more 'bouncy bread'.

* sunflower is my favorite

Put the yeast and the flour in a bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until mixed. make a well in the center and add about 1 cup warm water and the oil. Mix to combine the ingredients, add more water as necessary (at first about 1/4 cup at a time then more slowly) to get a stiff dough with all the flour in one non-sticky lump- experience, ie practice helps at this stage. It is impossible to dictate exactly how much water as all flours are different. bread is very cook friendly and tolerant of your attempts. You may need more than 2 cups.

Pummel with the wooden spoon for a few minutes. Leave to rise. In Texas anywhere is fine, in Brussels on a radiator. When the bread has risen a bit- depends on your timetable- flour a board and knead the bread a bit into a nice shape, more kneading does make a lighter bread but you are going to eat it fresh so that does not matter too much. Roll into a nice shape. Place on a greased baking tray and bake for about 40 minutes at 400 deg F.