VTS Communion Bread - Origin: Trappist Monks
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Mix the following in a large bowl and set aside:

  • 2 cups white flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 4 tsp. baking powder

    Mix the following in a tall cup or a blender (mix well- the ingredients tend to separate)

  • 1 cup milk (1/2 pt.) or 1 cup of water (but skip other water)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup honey (the darker, the better)

    Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft, but not sticky or dry, dough is formed. You may use a blender and dough hooks.
    Shape large dough ball into a symmetrical shape and cut into 16 equal-sized pieces (cut into fourths, and then cut each quarter into fourths).
    Lightly flour a cutting board or other surface with wheat flour.
    Shape each piece into a round ball and using the palm of your hand, press it into a slightly flat but symmetrical circle
    Roll each out on a wheat floured surface with a rolling pin into a round shape.
    Cut with the cutter (2 qt lid to a Tupperware pitcher) about 6 inches in diameter.
    Do not try to re-roll the used dough for Communion Loaves, as it gets very tough
    Score the loaves with small biscuit cutter in the center and use a putty knife to make the straight lines all around. See drawing below.

    Place on a non-stick cookie sheet or one sprayed with PAM.
    Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until the edges begin to brown (I have found that 8 minutes works in my oven.)
    Wrap warm loaves in groups of 5. Place in quart-size zip-lock freezer bags.
    Freeze. Should be used within one month to keep from drying out.
    Substitution: May add pumpernickel flour for one cup of wheat. It makes the bread more moist.