EASTER BREAD WITH ORANGE BUTTER

Easter Bread with Orange Butter image

This is a very old recipe I found in my great-aunt's handwritten cookbook after she passed away. I love it with apple butter or orange butter, made by mixing orange marmalade and butter. -Sandi Pichon, Slidell, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 1 loaf (32 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 envelope (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
2 teaspoons butter, melted
3/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons orange marmalade

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, sugar, oil, salt, lemon zest and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface. Sprinkle with raisins; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 20-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour., Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. In a small bowl, combine softened butter and marmalade; serve with bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.