05/17/2010 - Easter Bread

05/17/2010 - Easter Bread

I know this one is a little seasonally late. Couldn't help myself though. This is such a fun and colorful recipe that is great for Easter, but could also be made just to see the little ones put a smile on their faces.

Easter Bread

• 2 pkg. - Yeast
• 1/2 cup - Warm water
• 3/4 cup - Butter
• 2 tbsp. - Lemon peel, grated
• 2 cups - Warm milk
• 4 - Eggs
• 2 tsp. - Salt
• 1 tsp. - Vanilla
• 1 tsp. - Lemon juice
• 6 - Egg yolks
• 1 cup - Sugar
• 9 cups - Flour
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups - Raisins, candied fruit, jelly beans (optional)

Dissolve yeast in water. Beat eggs and yolks together, gradually add sugar. Add butter, salt, lemon, milk, and yeast mixture. Beat well. Add 6 cups flour and beat well again. By hand mix in enough flour to for a soft ball of dough. Knead in raisins or candied fruit if desired. Place in greased bowl or lightly warmed, greased 12" Dutch oven. Turn dough over to grease coat dough. Let double in size and then punch dough down. Divide into thirds and shape as desired. Press colored eggs and jelly beans into dough for fun colorful Easter look if desired.

Conventional oven: Bake at 325 in greased bread loaf pans for 45 minutes.

Dutch oven: Use 25 briquettes and bake about 30 minutes or until done.

Hugs,