CHEF JOHN'S EASTER BREAD

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CHEF JOHN'S EASTER BREAD image

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 package (.25 ounce) active dry yeast
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup warm water (100 degrees F/38 degrees C)
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 tablespoons anise extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 tablespoon (for dough) lemon zest
2 teaspoons (for icing/optional) lemon zest, grated
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon anise seed
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon milk
4 1/2 cups (divided) all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 small drop food coloring (for icing/optional)

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast and 1/2 teaspoon white sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let stand until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 10 minutes.
  • Whisk 3/4 cup white sugar, eggs, oil, anise extract, lemon zest, lemon extract, salt, and anise seed together in a bowl.
  • Pour egg mixture, melted butter, and 1/4 cup milk into yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add 4 cups flour, 1 cup at time, stirring after each addition.
  • Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Coat a large bowl with oil. Place dough in bowl and turn to coat. Place a damp cloth over the bowl, place bowl in the oven with the oven light on, and let rise until doubled in size, 12 hours or overnight.
  • Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
  • Punch dough down and divide into four equal portions. Divide each portion into three ropes. Braid each set of three dough ropes to form four small braided loaves.
  • Transfer loaves to prepared baking sheets, 2 per sheet, and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake bread in the preheated oven until the tops are golden and the bottom of the loaves sound hollow when tapped, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • To make icing, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, grated lemon zest, 1 tablespoon milk and food coloring. Stir until smooth.
  • Glaze loaves on a cooling rack with a sheet pan or foil underneath to catch the drips.

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