The wonderful Welsh hymn Cwm Rhonnda (Rhondda Valley) was given English lyrics by the legendary hymnist William Williams (Pantycelyn).

The hymn is more widely known by another title, taking it’s name from a line at the crescendo. “Bread of Heaven – feed me now and evermore”. Indeed it is true you can’t live without bread, whether dietary, spiritual, or the more 60s Hippy Trippy definition. It is also written that Man cannot live by bread alone.

Recently I explored the wonders and benefits of the fish supper and I realised as I wrote of fish sandwiches, I had not shared any of my own bread recipes. To address this omission, I share a speciality bread that I enjoy. It is versatile enough to be made by hand or equally in the labour saving Bread Machine.

‘The Reverend’s Rustic Bloom’ Bloomer’ consists of

400g Wholemeal flour

1 teaspoon Salt, Sugar, and fast acting Yeast

15g of butter/spread

280ml tepid water

1 Tablespoon each of Chia, linseed, and Sunflower seeds.

Either make in the bread maker on ‘rapid brown’ or use a dough setting then turning out a well greased dish and cooked for 30-40 minutes for the equivalent of 180C fan.