Easter Bread Recipe

 

I've just been feeling to great about getting to get my vaccine last week.  But to top the week off I also got to dye eggs and make Easter bread with my kids.  We made these a few years ago when we first moved to Pittsburgh, but I haven't really found time to make it since.  Here's the recipe:

Italian Easter Bread

Ingredients

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup butter , at room temperature
• 2 eggs , lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups flour
• egg wash (1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water)
• 6 dyed , uncooked, Easter eggs (will cook in the oven)
• Sprinkles

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, milk, salt, butter, eggs, sugar and some flour.
2. On low speed, add the rest of the flour until a dough forms.
3. Knead until dough is smooth.  Add more flour as needed, until tacky.
4. Transfer to oiled bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and roll into 14-inch ropes.
6. Twist ropes to form a "braid" then join ends to form a wreath.  Place on lined baking sheet.
7. Cover with towel and let rise 1 more hour.
8. Brush with egg wash.  Decorate with sprinkles.
9. Place egg in center of each nest.
10. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.