TRADITIONAL ITALIAN EASTER BREAD

Today I am sharing a delicious recipe for Traditional Italian Easter Bread .This is a no fail recipe and is an easy bake. This Easter bread is perfect for family get together and Gifting.It is slightly sweet yeast leavened baked treat that is so soft and tender inside.You may decorate it with eggs or sprinklers or as per your choice.I promise you won’t be disappointed.The best part is you can shape it in a variety of designs.

What is Yeast?

Yeast is a single-cell organism, called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which needs food, warmth, and moisture to thrive. It converts its food—sugar and starch—through fermentation to carbon dioxide and alcohol. Alcohol evaporates during baking and carbon dioxide assists in leavening giving us an airy bread.

What is Shhhhh Secret Cooking Theme?

March theme “Easter Bread” was hosted by Renu who is my partner too. She made these yummy Paska Easter Bread and Muffins that looks super tempting. I gave her two secret ingredients salt and orange juice and she gave me salt and sugar . With the two secret ingredients i baked this traditional Italian Easter bread.

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Ingredients for Traditional Italian Easter Bread:

Dry Ingredients:

• Bread Flour: I have used Unbleached Bread Flour. You can use Unbleached All purpose flour. With Bread Flour we will get a Chewier crust as it has higher protein content.
• Instant Yeast: When instant yeast is combined with liquid the will dough rise.
• Salt: Salt helps to regulate the rate of yeast activity providing a slow and steady rise.
• Sugar: Sugar provides for for yeast and this in turn converts to Alcohol and Carbon dioxide. Alcohol gets evaporated in the baking process and carbon dioxide makes the bread airy.

Wet Ingredients:

• Milk:Milks give a rich and velvety texture.
• Egg: Eggs help with rising.Eggs are a leavening agent and helps to rise the bread.Fats from the yolks aid to lighten the texture and make the crumb tender.
• Butter: Unsalted Butter helps the bread to rise with a crispier crust. Always use Unsalted butter .

For Decoration:

• For decoration: You can use coloured eggs , sprinklers or choco chips as per your choice and creativity.

Recipe for Traditional Italian Easter Bread:

• Author: Preethi Prasad
• Prep Time : 2 hrs 20 Mins
• Cook Time : 35 Mins
• Total Time : 2 hrs 55 mins
• Course : Bread
• Cuisine : Italian

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Easter Bread:

• 4 Cups of Bread Flour plus some extra for kneading
• 1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter (Cut into Cubes)
• 1/8 Tsp Kosher Salt
• 2 Large Eggs Beaten
• 1.25 Cup Milk
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
• Sprinklers / coloured eggs / chocochips for decoration (Optional as per your choice)

Method:

• In a small sauce pan add milk and butter. Heat at 130F and keep stirring untill the butter melts.Ensure the temperature is maintained as mentioned.
• In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, yeast ,salt and sugar and whisk. Add the melted butter and milk mixture. Mix gain
• Add two cups of flour and mix untill well combined.
• Slowly add the remaining 2 cups of flour and knead untill the dough is stiff and slightly sticky for about 12-14 minutes.
• Place the dough on a lightly floured clean counter top .
• We will knead the dough up to 4 minutes.
• Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a clean cloth and let it rest for about 10 mins.

Shape the Dough:

• Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll each ball into a 1″ wide rope about 13-14 inches long.
• Take 2 ropes and braid them ,pinch the ends and loop it into a circle.Ensure the ends are securely joined.
• Repeat the process for the balance dough.
• Place 2 of them on a parchment lined baking tray and ensure they have enough space to rise.
• Cover them with a clean towel and allow it to raise for about 1 Hour.
• Brush it with milk or egg wash.

Baking :

• Pre heat the oven at 180C .Place the tray in the middle rack.
• Bake it for about 18-20 minutes.
• Allow it to cool completely
• Decorate with colored eggs or sprinklers or choco chips as you like.

Notes:

• This recipes makes 3 big Ester Bread Rings or 6 small rings.
• You can use hardboiled or dyed eggs or even raw boiled eggs.
• Eggs will become soft boiled while baking.
• You can brush with eggwash
• Shape it as you like.Use your creativity.
• The taste and texture is perfect for my family.

https://preethicuisine.com/cheesy-garlic-mini-monkey-bread/ https://preethicuisine.com/stuffed-masala-mini-buns/

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