I am so happy I scribbled this Sweet Holiday Wreath Bread recipe down because now it is gone; forever lost in the world wind of moves and life. My mom started baking this wreath bread in the early 90’s, maybe even the 80’s; the recipe came from a little green book that we can no longer find. I scribbled it down in 2007 on the back of a piece a paper hosting football picks and I still reference that paper when baking it today.
During the holidays I can easily make this sweet holiday wreath bread three to four times. I always do a practice bake in October (wink wink) and usually make this one or two other times during the year because it is so yummy! The hint of cardamon makes the whole house smell like the holidays any time of year. You are going to love this and so will your family. It is a sweet but not too sweet treat that our family looks forward to every year. Seriously, I am not allowed to celebrate Christmas without it!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used for your convenience. If you make a purchase through my links I may receive a small commission.
Have a 16 inch round pan at the ready either greased, or lined with parchment paper or silicon baking mats.
Warm up 1/2 cup water to about 100 – 110° F; stir in yeast and 2 tsp sugar and allow to proof for 10 minutes. The yeast is active if the mixture doubles.
In a large bowl combine 2 cups flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom; blend well.
In a small sauce pan bring milk and butter to about 120 – 130° F. Be careful not to boil as it will kill the yeast if it is too hot.
Add warm milk and butter to the dry ingredients. Add 3 eggs and the proofed yeast to dry ingredients; stir well. Stir in additional 4 1/4 – 4 1/2 cups of flour until dough pulls cleanly from the sides. It is at this point I am usually using my hands. Tip dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a large, buttered bowl. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Let it rise in a warm area for about 1.5 hours until two times its size.
Relax + Let it Rise
Punch down dough to remove air bubbles. Tip dough on work surface and divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball; cover with a tea towel and allow them to rest for 15 minutes.
Heat the oven at 350° F. Roll out each ball into a 24 inch rope; twist together and shape into a wreath. Place wreath on baking pan and cover again to allow it to rise for 1 hour.
Combine 1 egg and 1 tbsp milk and brush on the bread before placing in the oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown. At any time the bread starts to get too brown cover with foil or parchment until bread is baked through.
Allow bread to cool and then apply the glaze. Glaze: Combine 3/4 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp vanilla and anywhere from 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 tsp milk to desire consistency. Drizzle on as much glaze as you like. Enjoy!
I try my best tobe as green as possible in the kitchen using organic ingredients and usingtools that can be handed down through the generations and/or are sustainablymade. I am always on the lookout forproducts that support this vision. Thoughnot perfect I still have tools that are not completely in line with thisvision; however, I look forward to taking great care of them and using them aslong as possible so they stay out of landfills. Once they have reached their end of life Ilook forward to introducing an eco-friendly version to the home.I also look forwardto sharing with you what can be composted from each dish so less food waste issent to landfills. If you have anopportunity to use the unused portions of ingredients in another dish all thebetter but if you don’t have plans for… let’s say, that whole head of lettuceYOU CAN COMPOST IT!
What Can Be Composted From This Dish?
Eggshells! Eggshells provide calcium which helps plants build cell walls. I crush my eggshells so they break down quicker but you definitely do not have to; whole shells work too.
Christians adopted the idea of using wreaths from Yule in the 16th Century. The circular shape symbolized eternal life and the never-ending love of God. In the 19th Century, the use of Advent wreaths gained popularity as a part of the Christian tradition. Four wreaths held four candles, one for every week of Advent.
The symbolism of wreaths has been used at funerals since at least the time of Ancient Greece, to represent a circle of eternal life. Evergreen wreaths were laid at the burial place of early Christian virgin martyrs in Europe, the evergreen representing the victory of the eternal spirit over death.
Build a Bouquet or Bundle. To begin making a wreath, you first begin by making a small bouquet or a bundle of greenery and decorative items that look good in a small bunch. ...
You can purchase a plain wreath from your local department or home goods store and decorate it to fit your personal style. Start by choosing a theme, then select decorations like ribbons, pinecones, candy, and twinkle lights.Arrange your decorations then simply attach them with hot glue or floral wire, and voilà!
If you thought those cosy traditions you knew and loved were just about celebrating Christmas, think again! Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.
But perhaps the most widespread and well-known use of wreaths comes in connection with Christmas and with Christianity, as their circular shape is said to symbolize eternal life and the unending love of God.
Christians began to use evergreen wreaths as a sign of everlasting life, with the circular shape representing God, with no beginning and no end. The use of holly in wreaths added additional Christian symbolism, with the red holly berries representing the blood of Christ.
The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
Similarly, in the Bible, crowns of wreaths are mentioned as a reward for those who persevered in their faith and remained faithful to God's teachings. The honor bestowed upon individuals through wreaths is a reminder of the blessings and rewards that await those who walk faithfully in the path of righteousness.
Creating beautiful bows is a good place to start when decorating a holiday wreath. The ribbon adds a pretty pop of color. You can also add in floral picks, pine cones, candy canes, dried oranges, red berries, Christmas bells, extra Christmas ornaments, or magnolia leaves.
Yes. Making a wreath is typically cheaper than buying a ready-made wreath. Be sure to use craft store coupons when gathering your supplies to save more money!
Fresh wreaths last between three and eight weeks, depending on the storage conditions. Refrigerated or outdoors in the cold, your wreath will last the longest. Indoors or outdoors in warm weather, your wreath will last the shortest. A well-hydrated and waxed wreath lasts longer while a hot and dry wreath decays faster.
Add magnolia leaves, red berries, and jingle bells to fill a store-bought evergreen wreath with Christmas cheer. Natural elements contribute seasonal scents and textures to winter wreaths but consider incorporating faux greenery so you can reuse this homemade wreath for years to come.
Wreathes and Garlands are traditional options for front door decorations during Christmas time, but there are many styles to choose from. You can purchase a traditional wreath or you can choose something that is a bit more colourful and creative.
Traditionally, wreaths are made of evergreens such as pine branches or holly. Their circular shape can represent eternity (see D&C 35:1). Wreaths hung on doors or in windows are like a symbolic invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes with the joy of the season.
Christmas wreaths have a spiritual meaning that represents an unending circle of life, with no beginning and no end. Its circular shape became a Christian symbol for Christ's suffering and ultimate triumph over death and therefore represents eternity. The evergreen symbolizes growth and eternal life.
The Advent wreath serves as a spiritual compass on our journey in preparation for the nativity of our Lord. It symbolizes hope, peace, joy and love through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ.
Although Christmas wreaths are the most popular, wreaths were also used in pagan celebrations. In ancient Germany and some Scandinavian countries, evergreen wreaths marked the winter solstice of Yule. Yule is a 12-day holiday when people celebrate the return of the sun and the cycle of the seasons.
The ancient Greeks wove white and red woolen threads with vines, wheat, and other important crops to create a harvest wreath that became a home amulet – a sacred item of protection hung on front doors year-round.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
