Get Ready To Savor The Licorice Flavored Italian Easter Bread – 2 Delicious Recipes To Try Out

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Introduction

Easter is around the corner, and it’s time to indulge in some delicious treats. One of the traditional Easter bread recipes that you can try out is the licorice flavored Italian Easter bread. This bread is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations in Italy. It is a sweet, moist, and aromatic bread that is perfect for Easter brunch or as a dessert. In this article, we will provide you with two different licorice flavored Italian Easter bread recipes that you can try out.

Recipe 1: Licorice Flavored Italian Easter Bread with Anise Oil

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup anise oil
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 egg white
1/4 cup pearl sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the warm water, eggs, olive oil, anise oil, raisins, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
Roll each part into a long rope and braid the three ropes together. Place the braided bread on a greased baking sheet.
Brush the bread with egg white and sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
Bake the bread at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Let the bread cool before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 36mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrates: 54g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 7g

Cooking Time

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes Cooking time: 30-35 minutes Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon
Kitchen towel
Pastry brush

Serving Suggestions

This licorice flavored Italian Easter bread is perfect for Easter brunch or as a dessert. You can serve it with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also slice it and spread some butter or jam on top.

Variations

You can replace the anise oil with licorice extract if you prefer a stronger licorice flavor.
You can add some chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough for some crunch.
You can replace the raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for a different flavor.

Substitutions

You can replace the olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter.
You can replace the instant yeast with active dry yeast. Just make sure to activate the yeast first by mixing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the dough.
You can replace the pearl sugar with regular granulated sugar.

Storage

You can store the licorice flavored Italian Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

Tips

Make sure the water is warm but not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Knead the dough well to activate the gluten and make it elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm and draft-free place to help it rise faster.
Brush the bread with egg white to give it a shiny and golden crust.

FAQs

What is anise oil?

Anise oil is a natural oil extracted from the anise plant. It has a strong licorice flavor and aroma.

Can I use licorice extract instead of anise oil?

Yes, you can replace anise oil with licorice extract. Just use a little less as it is more concentrated than anise oil.

What is pearl sugar?

Pearl sugar is a type of coarse sugar that does not melt easily. It is often used as a topping for bread and pastries.

Recipe 2: Licorice Flavored Italian Easter Bread with Fennel Seeds

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fennel seeds
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 egg white
1/4 cup pearl sugar

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the warm water, eggs, olive oil, fennel seeds, raisins, candied orange peel, candied lemon peel, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal parts.
Roll each part into a long rope and braid the three ropes together. Place the braided bread on a greased baking sheet.
Brush the bread with egg white and sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
Bake the bread at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown.
Let the bread cool before serving.