Okay, here is the long awaited recipe for English-Muffin Bread:

Prepare 2 bread pans with cooking oil spray and dust with Corn Meal.   In a mixing bowl put 3 cups of flour, 2 envelopes of active dry yeast (or 2 tbl); one tbl of granulated sugar; 2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp baking soda.

Heat 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of water to between 105 and 115 degrees.   Stir into flour mixture.  Stir in 3 more cups of flour.  At this point you can add a cup or two of Craisins, or Raisins. Spoon into prepared pans.  Sprinkle tops with a bit of cornmeal.

Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled.

Heat oven to 400 degree.  Bake 25-30  minutes until golden.Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes.  Loosen edges with thin knife, remove from pans and cool completely. Then ENJOY.

I think there is a direct correlation between the love of baking and the love of soapmaking!   Though the former surely tastes better.   I’ll share some of my favorite recipes in the course of time.   I love baking for my Sisters here at the monastery.   One of our Novices will make her First Profession of Vows on August 15th and I’ve been asked to do the baking for the brunch following the Profession Ceremony.   That will be such an honor and so much fun!

Do you have any favorite recipes you’d like to share?