Perruso’s Italian Easter Bread Recipe 🐣🍞

Introduction:

Perruso’s Italian Easter Bread, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, is a delightful addition to your Easter table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. This bread, adorned with colorful eggs, not only looks beautiful but also tantalizes the taste buds with its rich flavors. Follow along to create this traditional masterpiece that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast:

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   • Soften yeast in 1/2 cup warm water for around 5-8 minutes.

2. Prepare Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, blend 1&1/2 cups of flour with the remaining warm water.
   • Mix well and add the yeast mixture.
   • Stir until fairly smooth.
   • Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let it sit in a warm area for about 1 hour to allow the dough to rise.

3. Prepare Shortening Mixture:

   • After about 30 minutes, in a medium-sized bowl, mix the shortening with lemon juice and grated lemon peel.
   • Cream together half of the sugar-salt mixture with the shortening until fluffy.
   • Add the remaining sugar-salt mixture and stir well.
   • Beat two eggs and one egg white until piled softly, then add them, in thirds, to the shortening/sugar mixture and mix well.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add 2&1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and mix until smooth.
   • Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, mixing until the dough holds together in a kneadable ball.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The amount of flour needed may vary depending on humidity.

5. Allow Rising:

   • Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough in it, turning to coat.
   • Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, around 1&1/2 hours.

6. Shape the Bread:

   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two balls.
   • Let them stand covered for 10 minutes.
   • Roll each ball into a long roll about 30 inches.
   • Then, braid or twist the rolls together to form a wreath, pinching the ends together.
   • Place the shaped dough on a cookie sheet or baking pan.

7. Decorate and Bake:

   • Gently and at even intervals, bury the colored eggs by separating strands within the wreath.
   • Cover the bread with a dish towel and let it stand for 30 minutes.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the bread for 10 minutes, then brush it with an egg beaten with milk.
   • Continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes until the bread is golden brown, and the eggs are baked to resemble hard-boiled eggs.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked to perfection, serve Perruso’s Italian Easter Bread warm with a generous spread of butter.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 5157.5
• Fat Content: 236.9g
• Saturated Fat Content: 63.1g
• Cholesterol Content: 3173.2mg
• Sodium Content: 3401.2mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 591.6g
• Fiber Content: 18.2g
• Sugar Content: 157.4g
• Protein Content: 158.1g

Tips and Variations:

• Egg Colors: Use food coloring to dye the eggs in vibrant hues for a more festive presentation.
• Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding almond extract or orange zest for a twist of flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Gift Idea: Wrap slices of Perruso’s Italian Easter Bread in decorative paper and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Experience the joy of baking this traditional Italian delicacy and create lasting memories with your loved ones this Easter! 🐰🥚🌸