Prosphora
In preparing the Prosphora, one first begins with prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, who has said: Without me you can do nothing! O Lord, My God, with faith I accept your words. Help me, a sinner, to prepare the bread of offering, that the works of my hands may be acceptable at the Holy Table and may become through the works of Thy Holy Spirit, the communion of ’`Thy Most Pure Body for me and all Thy people.” In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This is the largest batch my Kitchen Aid mixer will handle. If you’re kneading by hand, just keep the 1:1:1 ratio.
3 c warm water
3 TB yeast
3 tsp salt
flour (the amount used will change each time–have at least 7 cups on hand)
Put 3 cups of warm water in the bowl you will be using. Add the yeast, stir and let sit for a couple of minutes.
Start adding flour 1 cup at a time. Mix. Add 3 tsp salt. Add more flour until the mixer begins to have trouble — should be like very sticky cookie dough at this point. Remove mixer paddle (switch to dough hook if available) and add in flour ½ cup at a time. Keep mixing until the ball feels like a baby bum.
Let sit for 5 minutes.
Knead with the dough hook or by hand for 5 minutes.
Split into 3 or 4 loaves (depending on how much flour was added)
Knead each loaf until smooth. Flatten into a 6-inch diameter disc and place in well floured pie pan. Have someone strong press down the seal.
When pressing down the seal, say the “Our Father” to hold it for the optimal amount of time.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a toothpick, poke holes around the lamb and on the sides.
Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.