Easter is a time to celebrate and indulge in delicious treats with family and friends. One of the most popular Easter breads in Ukraine is Paska, a sweet and rich bread that is perfect for any Easter gathering. In this article, we will explore two different recipes for Ukrainian Paska Easter Bread that are sure to please your taste buds.
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Recipe 1: Classic Ukrainian Paska Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 packages of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 6 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and butter until the butter is melted.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest together.
- Add the milk mixture and yeast mixture to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let rise for 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and knead for an additional 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two portions and shape each portion into a round loaf.
- Place the loaves in greased pans and let rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the loaves for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the loaves cool before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
3 hours
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Greased bread pans
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with butter or jam for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Variations:
- Add raisins or currants to the dough for a sweeter bread.
- Top the bread with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Substitutions:
- Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired for best results.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for optimal rising.
- Brush the loaves with melted butter before baking for a golden, shiny crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is Paska bread?
- Can I make Paska bread without a mixer?
- Can I make Paska bread ahead of time?
Paska bread is a sweet, rich bread traditionally enjoyed during Easter in Ukraine.
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand, but it may take longer to knead.
Yes, you can make the bread up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Paska Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 packages of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and butter until the butter is melted.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, salt, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder together.
- Add the milk mixture and yeast mixture to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let rise for 2 hours.
- Punch down the dough and knead for an additional 5 minutes.
- Divide the dough into two portions and shape each portion into a round loaf.
- Place the loaves in greased pans and let rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the loaves for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the loaves cool before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
3 hours
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Greased bread pans
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with whipped cream or chocolate spread for an indulgent dessert.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder for a white chocolate Paska.
Substitutions:
- Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and not expired for best results.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for optimal rising.
- Dust the loaves with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dark chocolate