MIX IT WITH THE OIL!

 During the week of Unleavened Bread, we are told to rid our homes of any type of leavening agents and to also not eat anything that contains it. This is when flatbread is eaten instead— representing Israel leaving Egypt in as haste as there was no time to wait for the bread to rise.

Usually, when making bread you need only a very small amount of yeast (leaven) to make it. Without yeast, it would be considered flatbread. The yeast or leavening agent is what makes it rise and become puffed up. This is symbolic of our own pride and sin.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OIL

This year we learned the significance of the olive oil used in making flatbread. Bread isn’t very easy to burn with fire but will burn bright if it is mixed with oil. Olive oil comes from the pressing of olives (fruit) from olive trees. When we produce good fruit, we’re like an olive tree that’s ripe in its season ready to produce oil, ready to be on fire for God.

There’s only one way to get the oil from the olives is and that is to be pressed. This is the very purpose of having trials and tribulations —causing the roots of our tree to go deeper and the “oil” in us to be pressed out so that it may be used for His glory. Without the pressure of the press, the olive never reaches its full and intended purpose. We as His people must stay unleavened. When we add the yeast into our own lives and try to fix our own problems, celebrate our own traditions, and believe our own doctrines that do not match scriptures, our offering becomes unacceptable to God.

FLATBREAD RECIPE:

YOU WILL NEED

• 2 cups of Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
• 3/4 cold water
• Olive Oil for cooking

HOW TO MAKE THE DOUGH

• In a large bowl, add all ingredients together, then mix in the wet ingredients.
• When the dough comes together, transfer to a floured surface and knead 5 to 10 times until smooth. Then clover with a clean dishcloth and leave for 10 minutes.
• Divide the dough into six equal pieces and roll into a disc that’s between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch thick.
• Add oil to a skillet place over medium heat. When the oil looks shimmery, add a flatbread, and cook until golden brown on each side (about 1 to 2 minutes on each side).