Samhain Rosemary Herb Bread
Hey Kitchen Witches!
You cannot celebrate Samhain without using the sacred herb of Rosemary.
What a better way to do that than bake it into some delicious bread.
Rosemary Herb Bread
You Will Need:
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup lukewarm water
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, one ¼-ounce packet
¼ teaspoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (325g)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
1. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper in a cold medium skillet. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes or until aromatic.
You are not looking to add color to the garlic. Keep the temperature low and remove the skillet from the heat before the garlic browns. Set aside and allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir a few times, then let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of the flour and ¼ cup of the infused garlic-olive oil mixture to the bowl with yeast. Stir 3 to 4 times until the flour has moistened. Let sit for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the remaining 1 ½ cups of flour and the salt. When the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured board and knead 10 to 15 times until smooth.
5. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl, cover with a warm, damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, for 1 to 2 hours.
1. When the dough has doubled in size, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Use two tablespoons of the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture to oil a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
3. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet, then gently press it into the pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough, then drizzle the top with the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture. Let the dough rise for 20 to 30 minutes until it puffs slightly.
4. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Take the bread out and let sit and cool.
Blessings,
Rev. Bella Shay
Samhain, a traditional Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season, is rich with symbolism and customs that honor the cycle of life and death. Incorporating rosemary into your Samhain celebrations is a meaningful way to connect with these ancient practices, as rosemary is known for its protective and purifying properties. Rosemary and herb breads have long been staples in various cultures, often used in rituals or shared during communal gatherings to symbolize warmth, protection, and remembrance of ancestors. This recipe highlights these themes by infusing bread with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic, creating a fragrant and flavorful loaf that enhances the sacred atmosphere of Samhain. When preparing the infused olive oil with garlic and herbs, keeping the heat low is essential to release the delicate aromas without burning the garlic—a critical step to achieving the bread’s rich flavor. Using instant yeast and allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a light, airy texture, making this bread not only symbolic but also enjoyable for everyday eating. For those looking to customize the recipe further, you might consider adding other traditional Samhain herbs such as sage or dried orange peel for a subtle citrus note. Additionally, pairing the bread with seasonal dishes like hearty stews, roasted root vegetables, or honey butter can elevate your Samhain feast. Beyond its culinary appeal, baking this rosemary herb bread can be a meditative and grounding activity, aligning with the reflective spirit of Samhain. Sharing the bread with family and friends can express gratitude and strengthen bonds, echoing the festival’s themes of community and honoring the past. Whether you are new to Samhain traditions or a seasoned practitioner, incorporating this aromatic rosemary herb bread into your celebrations is a wonderful way to enrich the experience and delight your senses during this sacred time of year.