Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter Bread is a traditional Italian sweet bread that is typically served during Easter celebrations. This delicious bread is made with a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and yeast, and is flavored with anise and orange zest. The bread is then shaped into a braided wreath and decorated with colorful Easter eggs.

To make Italian Easter Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 dyed Easter eggs

To begin, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, anise extract, and orange zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid them together to form a wreath. Place the wreath on a greased baking sheet and tuck the dyed Easter eggs into the crevices of the braid.
Let the bread rise for another 30 minutes, then bake it in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Italian Easter Bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for Easter brunch or dessert. The bread has a soft and fluffy texture, with a subtle sweetness and hints of anise and orange. The colorful Easter eggs add a fun and festive touch to the bread, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any Easter table.
Type: Sweet Bread
Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Eggs