Buona Pasqua Bread: A Taste of Italian Tradition is a delightful homemade Easter Bread recipe that captures the essence of Italian culinary heritage. This sweet and aromatic bread is infused with the flavours of mahlepi, lemon, and orange, creating a festive and flavourful treat perfect for celebrating Easter with loved ones. The dough is skillfully shaped into beautiful wreaths, symbolizing unity and the spirit of the holiday season.
Serving: Makes Approx 10 to 12 Easter Wreaths
Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Rising Time: About 5hrs (for the initial rise), 2hrs (for the second rise after shaping the wreaths)
Bake Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Cooking Level - Intermediate
Ingredients:
15 seeds of mahlepi, whole
1 cup of water
1 cup of melted butter
1 cup of slightly warm milk
3 teaspoons of quick-rise yeast
8 eggs at room temperature
2 cups of sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
7 to 8 cups of flour (add until dough is tacky)
Optional: extra eggs and sprinkles for decorating
Kitchen Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer with hook attachment (or hand mixer with dough hooks)
Large pot for rising the dough
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone liner
Clean towel
Wire rack for cooling
Directions:
1. Simmer the water with the mahlepi seeds for a minute and then remove from heat. Strain the seeds and use the infused water.
2. Add the warm milk and melted butter to the infused water mixture and stir until combined.
3. Add yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar to the mixture and let the yeast activate and bloom.
4. In a mixer, combine sugar, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
5. Add the butter mixture to the egg mixture and thoroughly combine.
6. Change the mixer attachment to a hook attachment and gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until the dough is tacky to the touch.
7. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and place it in a greased large pot.
8. Cover the pot tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled or more in size.
9. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 14-inch rope.
10. Twist two ropes together to form a braid, then join the ends to loop into a circle while pinching the tips together. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough ropes. Cover with a clean towel and let rise again until nearly doubled, about 2 more hours.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (150°C). Brush the tops of the dough "nests" with an egg wash.
12. Sprinkle the tops evenly with sprinkles for decoration.
13. Gently place one dyed egg in the center of each braided ring. Do not press into the dough, it will sink as it bakes.
14. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. Remove the Easter bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy making this special Italian Easter bread with your family.
Important Tips:
Rising the Dough; These times are approximate and may vary based on factors like room temperature, humidity, and individual cooking equipment.
Gift Ideas: Sharing homemade "Buona Pasqua Bread" with family and friends during Easter time is a wonderful way to spread joy and create cherished memories. Consider packaging individual wreaths in decorative wrapping or gift bags tied with colorful ribbons. You can also include a personalized note or Easter card to add a special touch. This thoughtful gift is sure to bring smiles and warm hearts, especially for your kids who eagerly anticipate this delicious tradition each year.
Freeze it for later: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
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