Recipes for Candlemas

Brigid's Magical Bread

1 package of active dry yeast
1 1/4 Cup plus two tablespoons water
1/3 cup honey
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup chopped red rose petals
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/3 cup oil for moister bread (optional)

Preheat oven to 375*. Blend the yeast, water, and honey. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until foaming. Mix in the flour, rose petals, poppy seeds, and oil or other additional ingredients (1 tsp. vanilla; 1/4 cup finely ground walnuts; 1/4 cup finely ground almonds; or you can add 1 tsp lemon extract, or even whatever tiny little amount of that something extra you fancy) and knead. Add additional flour if the dough ssticks to the side of the bowl.
Mold the dough into a ball. Cover with a cloth for 1 hour. Punch down the dough in the center and knead for approximately 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased loaf pan for about 1 hour, until doubled. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.