Ha'Penny Friendship Bread-Pg. 3
Submitted by mysticalmomma
Decorating and preserving directions for Ha’Penny Friendship Bread: slit the top crust, tuck in a copper penny, tie with ribbon and wheat, then seal the loaf with glossy polyurethane for a keepsake that lasts.
YIELD
1 loafPREP
10 minCOOK
30 minREADY
40 minThis is the finishing page for Ha’Penny Friendship Bread, the decorative sealing step rather than the dough itself. After the loaf bakes and cools completely, a small slit in the top crust holds a shiny copper penny, the traditional token passed between friends for luck. Ribbon, a little sheaf of wheat, dried flowers or berries turn it into a gift.
Once the bread is rock hard (several days in a dry spot), two coats of clear glossy polyurethane or resin seal everything in place so the loaf keeps its shape and shine for years. For the bake itself, brush the raw loaves with egg white and water for a glossy finish, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if you like, and set a shallow pan of water on the oven floor for a crackly, crusty top.
Pro Tips
- Let the bread dry fully before sealing, any trapped moisture will mold under the finish.
- Work in a well-ventilated space when applying polyurethane or resin.
- Use a soft paintbrush for even coverage, spray coats tend to pool on the crust.
- Attach the friendship note with twine, not tape, for a rustic keepsake look.
Ingredients
Directions
DECORATION DIRECTIONS TO DECORATE: Make small ½ inch slit in top crust of each loaf; insert shinny copper penny.
Tie loaves with ribbon and decorate with small sheaf of wheat or other grain, dried flowers, silk flours or dried berries.
Attach friendship note which will follow on last note.
TO PRESERVE BREAD: Allow loaves to dry in cook dry place for several days until VERY HARD.
Spray or brush clear, glossy polyurethane or spray clear, glossy resin around loaf.
Let dry; repeat with second coat.
When dry, decorate as desired.
TIP: Loaves may be brushed with mixture of 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon.
water before baking. If desired, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed. For crusty topped loaves, set small pan of water in oven while bread is baking.
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