Italian Easter Bread Recipe

By kmad

Some cooks like to use an egg wash to give the bread a glossy coat; others like to dust it with powdered sugar. Be creative–this is festive and makes for a great gift. Italian Easter Bread is sure to be a festive hit at your Easter celebration!

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 (0.25-ounce) package of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup of warm milk (120 to 130°F)
• 2 tablespoons of softened butter
• 7 eggs
• 1/2 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped
• 1/4 cut blanched almonds, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds
• vegetable or olive oil

Details

Servings 12
Preparation time 180mins
Cooking time 220mins

Preparation

Step 1

Mix one of the cups of flour, the sugar, yeast, and salt into a mixing bowl, blending in the milk and butter, beating for 2 minutes or so at a medium setting.

Once it's nicely blended, add in two eggs and a half cup of flour, then beat two minutes on high.

Stir in the candied fruit, the almonds and anise seed, and mix thoroughly.

Stir in enough flour to make a soft dough, and turn it onto a lightly floured surface, kneading until it's smooth and elastic. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes or so.

In a greased bowl, turn it once to grease all sides, and then cover and let it rise in a warm place, until it's doubled (roughly an hour).

If desired, dye the remaining eggs (leaving them uncooked) and lightly rub the dough with oil. Punch the dough down, and divide it in half, turning each piece into a 24-inch rope. Twist the rope and tuck the eggs into the openings, then cover everything with a cloth, and let it rise again, until doubled, roughly 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a golden brown. Remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.