Tsoureki (Sweet Greek Easter Bread) |
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Prep Time: 2 Minutes Cook Time: 35 Minutes |
Ready In: 37 Minutes Servings: 30 |
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This recipe was passed down to me from my Greek aunt. Traditionally the bread was made exclusively for Easter celebrations and had red-dyed hard boiled eggs nestled in the braids of the loaf. Nowadays the bread is popular at breakfast and is served all year round, without the hard boiled eggs. Ingredients:
1 cup milk |
4 1/2-5 1/2 cups flour |
3/4 cup sugar |
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast |
3 eggs |
1 egg yolk |
1 teaspoon salt |
1/2 cup butter, softened |
2 tablespoons orange juice |
2 teaspoons orange zest |
2 teaspoons vanilla extract |
Directions:
1. Heat milk and whisk in 11/2 cups flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Cover with plastic and let stand for ~30 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Add another cup flour, orange zest, and salt. Then add butter, vanilla, and orange juice. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth.
5. Coat a bowl with oil and roll dough in it to coat. Cover with plastic and let rise for 11/2 hour. Preheat oven to 400.
6. Make braids with the dough (2 loaves).
7. Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water. Brush loaves with mixture.
8. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
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