Italian Easter Egg Baskets

By zircon50

Ingredients

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

Details

Adapted from cookingwithnonna.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl on medium speed, mix butter, eggs, sugar, shortening and vanilla extract until creamy. Reduce speed to low, and gradually add flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk just until combined.

Divide dough in three pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

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 the baskets on 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.

OPTIONAL: Brush baked baskets with a confectioners sugar glaze, and sprinkle with colored-candies.

Makes 8 baskets.