Delicious Italian Bread For Easter: Two Simple Recipes

Delicious Italian Bread For Easter: Two Simple Recipes

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Italian Easter Bread Sicilian / Traditional Italian Easter Bread made
Italian Easter Bread Sicilian / Traditional Italian Easter Bread made from bianeo.blogspot.com

Introduction

Easter is a special time of year when we gather with our loved ones to celebrate new beginnings, renewal, and the joys of springtime. And what better way to celebrate than with a warm, freshly baked loaf of Italian bread? In this article, we’re going to share with you two mouth-watering recipes for Italian bread that are perfect for your Easter feast. These recipes are easy to make, and the results are sure to impress your family and friends.

Recipe 1: Classic Italian Easter Bread

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110-115°F)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the dissolved yeast, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture, and beat well.
  4. Add the raisins, candied citrus peel, and the remaining flour to the mixture, and stir well.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  7. Punch down the dough, and shape it into a round loaf or a braid. Place it on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise again until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  8. Brush the beaten egg over the top of the loaf, and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
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Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 7g

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Rising Time: 2 hours Baking Time: 35 minutes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Floured surface for kneading
  • Greased baking sheet
  • Basting brush
  • Oven
  • Wire rack

Serving Suggestions

This classic Italian Easter bread is perfect for serving alongside your Easter ham or lamb. It also makes a great breakfast or brunch bread, served with your favorite jam or spread.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add different types of dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to this recipe for a different flavor. You can also substitute the candied citrus peel with fresh orange or lemon zest. If you don’t have raisins, you can use currants or dried cranberries instead.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Tips and Notes

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active before using it in this recipe. You can test it by mixing it with warm water and sugar, and letting it sit for 5 minutes. If it foams and bubbles, it’s good to use. If it doesn’t, it’s probably dead and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use bread flour for a chewier texture, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe. Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

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Recipe 2: Sweet Italian Easter Bread

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 packages active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (110-115°F)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
  • 1/2 cup chopped candied pineapple
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the dissolved yeast, eggs, and milk to the flour mixture, and beat well.
  4. Add the candied cherries, candied pineapple, chopped almonds, and the remaining flour to the mixture, and stir well.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  7. Punch down the dough, and shape it into a round loaf or a braid. Place it on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise again until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  8. Brush the beaten egg over the top of the loaf, and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  9. Remove the bread from the oven, and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 21g
  • Protein: 7g
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Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes Rising Time: 2 hours Baking Time: 35 minutes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Floured surface for kneading
  • Greased baking sheet
  • Basting brush
  • Oven
  • Wire rack

Serving Suggestions

This sweet Italian Easter bread is perfect for serving as a dessert or a sweet breakfast bread. You can also toast it and serve it with butter or cream cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

You can use different types of candied fruit or nuts in this recipe, such as dried cranberries,

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