Scripture in the Kitchen: David’s blessed buns

The thought behind ‘Scripture in the Kitchen’ is to be mindful of God while doing an everyday task. In this case, cooking – ladle in one hand, Bible in the other, so to speak. Maybe sing a song of thanksgiving as you cook!

‘David’s Blessed Buns’ would be perfect to share with coffee at a home Bible study, but these sweet treats can of course also be eaten alone or with family and friends.

There are hundreds of references to food and drink in the Bible and some of today's healthiest choices were part of the diet in those days, such as fish, olive oil, garlic, pomegranates, and, of course, milk and honey.

Scripture in the Kitchen is an occasional column that appears in Bible Society’s magazine, Word in Action. 

David’s Blessed Buns

MAKES 8

‘And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.’ (2 Samuel 6.18–19, ESV)

Raisins are mentioned several times in the Bibles. Raisin cakes were typically offered by ancient people to their gods. It also seems like the sweetness of raisins would help people feel more upbeat: ‘Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love’ (Song of Solomon 2.5, ESV).

Ingredients

• 100 g brown sugar
• 200 ml warm water
• 1 tbsp of yeast
• 300 g plain flour
• 1 tsp butter
• 100 g of raisins
• salt
• your choice of spices like ginger, cinnamon, almond essence or mixed spice
• 1 tbsp of honey (optional)

Method

1. Mix the sugar, yeast and water together and leave in a warm place for 30 minutes, so the yeast can start to activate.
2. Stir in the flour and butter and knead for five minutes.
3. Add your choice of spices, flavourings and then knead and shape into eight round bun shapes.
4. Place on a greased tray and bake in the oven at Gas 6 (200 C) for 20 minutes, till risen and a nice colour.
5. Lovely toasted with butter while reading Song of Solomon.

Thanks to Bible Society’s Head of Fundraising, Beth Read, for rustling up this raisin-cake recipe.