Looking for a delicious and fun way to celebrate Easter? Look no further than Italian Easter Bread Dove! This sweet and savory bread is a traditional Italian Easter staple that is sure to impress your friends and family. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a lot of fun to make. In this article, we’ll share two different recipes for Italian Easter Bread Dove, along with all the information you need to make it a success.
Recipe #1: Classic Italian Easter Bread Dove
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, warm milk, and eggs to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a dove. Place the dove on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the dove with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the dove with beaten egg and sprinkle with colored sprinkles (if desired).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl for yeast
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Baking brush
Serving Suggestions:
Italian Easter Bread Dove is traditionally served as a sweet treat with coffee or hot chocolate. It can also be enjoyed as a savory bread with cheese and cured meats.
Variations:
Italian Easter Bread Dove can be made with a variety of different fillings, such as chocolate chips, raisins, or candied fruit. It can also be shaped into other Easter-themed shapes, such as eggs or bunnies.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead.
Storage:
Italian Easter Bread Dove can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Don’t over-knead your dough, as this can make it tough.
Notes:
Italian Easter Bread Dove is a classic Italian Easter treat that is often served as a symbol of peace and good luck. Its dove shape represents the Holy Spirit, and it is often decorated with sprinkles or other colorful decorations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the origin of Italian Easter Bread Dove?
Italian Easter Bread Dove has been a traditional Easter treat in Italy for centuries. Its dove shape represents the Holy Spirit and is often served as a symbol of peace and good luck.
Can I make Italian Easter Bread Dove ahead of time?
Yes! Italian Easter Bread Dove can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Recipe #2: Sweet Italian Easter Bread Dove
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup candied fruit, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, warm milk, and eggs to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the candied fruit and raisins.
- Shape the dough into a dove. Place the dove on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover the dove with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the dove with beaten egg and sprinkle with colored sprinkles (if desired).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl for yeast
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Baking brush
Serving Suggestions:
Sweet Italian Easter Bread Dove is best served as a sweet treat with coffee or hot chocolate.
Variations:
You can customize your Sweet Italian Easter Bread Dove by using different types of candied fruit and nuts. You can also add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to make it even sweeter.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. If you don’t have candied fruit, you can use dried fruit instead.
Storage:
Sweet Italian Easter Bread Dove can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Don’t over-knead your dough, as this can make it tough.
Notes: