ITALIAN EASTER BREAD

Italian Easter Bread image

"Both the Italians and the Swiss prepare this festive Easter bread with colored eggs embedded in the dough," informs Dolores Skrout of Summerhill, Pennsylvania.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 1 bread.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup warm milk (120° to 130°)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
7 eggs
1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 teaspoon aniseed
Canola oil

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add milk and butter; beat 2 minutes on medium. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in fruit, nuts and aniseed; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., If desired, dye remaining eggs (leave them uncooked); lightly rub with oil. Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each piece into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes and tuck eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 185 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.