EASTER BREAD

 
G makes the bread: the original recipe did not specify the actual quantity of yeast (no one said Aunt Mary was a professional recipe writer) and it took several attempts to get it right.   In my first attempt I used WAY too much yeast and the resulting dough looked like something from a science experiment gone awry.  It took several more tries to figure out that even with the amount of flour called for, one packet of yeast yields the perfect dough.  A large stand mixer makes this dough easier to work with, although some kneading by hand at the end is probably necessary.

RECIPE:

EASTER BREAD

(courtesy of “Our Favorite Recipes” and the sadly departed Mrs. Mary Azzinaro)

Yield: Makes two large braided breads

5 lbs flour (yes, that’s correct)

6 eggs, lightly beaten

2 tlbsp kosher salt

½ cup dry milk

½ cup granulated sugar

4 – 5 cups warm water

2 tblsp anise seed

½ cup vegetable oil

1 packet of dry yeast

Egg wash for baking: one egg lightly beaten with 1 or 2 tblsp warm water

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in one cup warm water.  In the bowl of the mixer (or other very large bowl if mixing by hand), combine flour (setting aside one cup for kneading) with the salt, powdered milk, sugar and anise seed.  Make a well in center and add yeast mixture, eggs and oil.  Knead until well-combined (approximately 10 minutes, and the dough will still be sticky), then turn out onto countertop and continue kneading until smooth.  Use the remaining cup of flour as necessary.

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil, place dough in bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Make a cross in the top of the dough (Aunt Mary’s directive, and it is Easter after all!)  Allow to rise for 2 ½ to 3 hours. 

Punch down and knead lightly, then divide dough in half.  Divide each ball of dough into three equal pieces and roll into ropes of about 2 inches in diameter and of equal length.  Form into a ring and nestle 4 -5 colored eggs into the braid.  Repeat with other ball of dough.   Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes, brush tops of braids with egg wash and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown (approximately 45 minutes).

Voila: