Easy Italian Easter Bread |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 20 |
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This traditional Easter bread is topped with colored raw eggs, which cook as the bread bakes. It makes for a pretty centerpiece. Ingredients:
2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1/4 cup sugar |
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast |
1 teaspoon salt |
2/3 cup 2% milk |
3 tablespoons butter, divided |
2 eggs |
1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit |
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds |
1/2 teaspoon aniseed |
5 uncooked eggs, dyed |
glaze: |
1 cup confectioners' sugar |
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract |
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk |
decorator candies, optional |
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°. Add dry ingredients; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in fruit, almonds and aniseed until blended. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Gently separate ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
4. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, in a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with candies if desired. Yield: 1 loaf (20 slices).
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