Grandma Rose’s Italian Easter Bread 1947 ๐ฎ๐น๐ฐ
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 80
- Yield: 8 loaves
- Category: Yeast Breads
- Keywords: Breads, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
Description:
Grandma Rose’s Italian Easter Bread is a cherished family recipe originating from Calabria, Italy, dating back to 1947. Traditionally enjoyed during Easter festivities, this delightful bread is not only perfect for toasting but also transforms into heavenly French toast. Infused with the essence of oranges and lemons, and boasting a touch of sweetness, it pairs exquisitely with a smear of fresh butter and a steaming cup of coffee. While some may opt to embellish the braided loaves with sugar cubes that caramelize beautifully in the oven, Grandma Rose’s rendition remains elegantly plain, allowing the simplicity of its flavors to shine.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Eggs |
| 12 | Oranges, juice and zest of |
| 2 | Lemons, juice and zest of |
| 2 | Cups granulated sugar |
| 4 | Tablespoons butter |
| 2 | Teaspoons salt |
| 3/4 | Cups whole milk, scalded and cooled |
| 1/4 | Ounce active dry yeast |
| Variable | All-purpose flour |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 104.9
- Total Fat: 5.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 41.3mg
- Sodium: 122.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.9g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 10.7g
- Protein: 2g
Instructions:
-
Prepare Yeast Mixture:
- Scald whole milk and allow it to cool to lukewarm temperature, then add the active dry yeast.
-
-
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs together with the juice and zest of oranges and lemons until well combined.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In another bowl, cream together granulated sugar and butter until fluffy and pale in color, ensuring a smooth consistency.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually incorporate the beaten egg mixture into the creamed sugar and butter mixture, stirring until fully blended.
- Combine this mixture with the cooled scalded milk and yeast mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
-
Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually add sifted all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Continue adding flour until the dough reaches a soft, slightly sticky consistency, being mindful not to make it too firm.
-
Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until the dough is soft and elastic.
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First Rising:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to double in size.
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Second Rising:
- Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and let it rise again until nearly doubled in volume.
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Shaping:
- Form the risen dough into braids for a traditional touch or place it into loaf pans for a simpler presentation.
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Final Rise:
- Allow the shaped loaves to rise until almost doubled in size, ensuring a light and airy texture.
-
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and bake the loaves until they turn golden brown, approximately 20 minutes.
-
Optional Easter Variation:
- For a festive Easter twist, consider decorating the braided loaves with raw or colored eggs. During baking, the eggs will cook, resulting in a delightful visual and culinary treat for Easter morning.
-
Note:
- The quantity of flour may vary depending on factors such as humidity and the juiciness of the oranges and lemons. Gradually adjust the flour until the dough achieves the desired consistencyโsoft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
- Given the unavailability of fresh compressed yeast in many stores, active dry yeast can be used as a suitable alternative, typically around 2 tablespoons for this recipe.
Conclusion:
Grandma Rose’s Italian Easter Bread is not merely a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations, embodying the warmth and nostalgia of Easter celebrations. With its tender crumb, fragrant citrus notes, and subtle sweetness, this bread is sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones with each delightful bite. Whether enjoyed toasted, transformed into decadent French toast, or savored simply with a smear of butter, it’s a true testament to the enduring legacy of family and food.
