ITALIAN EASTER EGG BASKETS

Italian Easter Egg Baskets image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 10

4-1/2 cups of flour
2TBS baking powder
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 cup of butter
1/2 cup of vegetable shorting
1cup of sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup of milk
8 hard boiled eggs( color them with Easter egg colors and let dry)

Steps:

In a bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl with mixer mix butter, eggs, sugar, shortening and vanilla extract until cream. Reduce speed to Low and gradually add flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk until combined.
Divide dough in three pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide dough into 8 portions.
Cut in two 4 " strips and braid in a spiral to make baskets leaving a small opening in the middle.
Place baskets in a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper Place colored eggs in the center of the baskets.
Brush baskets with egg wash.
Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.