ITALIAN EASTER BREAD RECIPE

Italian Easter Bread Recipe image

Provided by Joanne Bellezza-Loughlin

Time 3h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pkg yeast
1/4 c warm water
1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar
6 egg yolks
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 c warm milk
1 tsp lemon zest, grated
2 tsp vanilla
4 1/4 c flour
1 tsp melted butter
1 egg white, scrambled
6 colored eggs (raw) (3 for each loaf - this is a guess)

Steps:

1. Sprinkle yeast in warm water to dissolve.
2. Cream butter and beat in sugar, egg yolks and salt. Then stir in warm milk, lemon zest, vanilla and yeast mixture.
3. Add 2 cups of the flour and beat for 5 minutes.
4. Gradually beat in remaining flour, then place dough on floured board and knead.
5. Place dough in greased bowl and top with a little melted butter. Let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours, then knead again.
6. Cut dough into 6 pieces and roll each piece into a rope.
7. Form 3 ropes into a braid (you will get two loaves).
8. Nestle colored raw eggs throughout each braid.
9. Brush top of loaves with egg whites.
10. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.