It’s almost Easter!!

Easter is this weekend, I know that not everyone celebrates Easter but my family and I do. This recipe is close to my heart and has always grown up with this when it is Easter. My family is Italian so this bread is a tradition for us every Easter. My Nonna will always have this bread every Easter since I can remember. I’ve seen her make it a couple times, but never actually have made it myself. One day when I’m older with my own family I plan on continuing this tradition and making this for everyone to enjoy.

Easter Bread

Ingredients: For the bread

For the eggs: 

4 large eggs

1 c.  boiling water, divided

Directions:

1. Grease a large bowl with cooking spray. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, add milk and 1 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit until frothy, about 8 minutes.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, remaining ½ cup sugar, and salt. Add milk-and-yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a very soft dough forms, about 5 minutes. Increase to medium-high speed and add in butter a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until dough pulls away from sides of bowl, about 15 minutes.
3. Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Meanwhile make hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in a medium pot and cover with water. Over medium heat, bring to a boil. Cover and turn off heat. Let sit for 11 minutes, then remove from pan and dunk in ice water.
5. Divide 1 cup boiling water between 2 bowls. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar and desired food coloring to each bowl. Add one egg at a time and let sit 5 to 10 minutes, depending on preferred color. Use a slotted spoon to remove from bowl and let dry on a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet.
6. Preheat oven to 375° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece into a 16″ long rope. Place ropes side by side lengthwise on prepared baking sheet. Pinch top ends together, then tightly braid ropes together. Bring ends together to form a circle and pinch together.
7. Press dyed eggs into braid, then cover dough and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
8. Brush with egg wash and top with sprinkles. Bake until golden, 30 minutes.
9. ENJOY 🙂

My Nonna’s recipe is something I will keep and give to my own children one day! I think traditions are important and matter to each family. I look forward to this bread each Easter and is something my whole family enjoys to eat. It might not be the healthiest, but because it is a holiday you’re allowed to treat yourself!