Italian Easter Bread: A Sweet Tradition

 

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and delicious food. In Italy, one of the most cherished Easter traditions is baking Pane di Pasqua, or Italian Easter Bread. This sweet, braided bread is adorned with colorful eggs and sprinkles, making it as festive as it is flavorful. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delightful centerpiece for your Easter table.

 

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

 

1/4 cup sugar

 

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

1/2 cup warm milk

 

1/4 cup melted butter

 

2 large eggs

 

Zest of 1 orange

 

1/2 teaspoon ground anise (optional)

 

6 raw eggs, dyed in vibrant colors

 

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

 

Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar until dissolved. Add the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the orange zest, eggs, melted butter, and anise.

 

Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and the orange zest mixture to the flour, stirring until moistened. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes until soft and smooth.

 

Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

 

Shape the Bread: Divide the dough into three equal pieces and roll each into a 24-inch rope. Braid the ropes loosely and shape them into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tuck the dyed eggs gently into the braid.

 

Final Rise: Cover the bread and let it rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy and nearly doubled.

 

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the bread with the beaten egg, being careful around the dyed eggs. Sprinkle with nonpareils if desired. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

 

Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve as a centerpiece or enjoy it with coffee or tea.

 

A Feast for the Eyes

While I can't include an image directly, you can find a stunning visual of Italian Easter Bread here. Let it inspire your presentation and add a touch of Italian charm to your Easter celebration.

 

This Easter, bring a taste of Italy to your table with Pane di Pasqua. Its sweet, citrusy flavor and festive appearance make it a dish that’s sure to delight your family and guests. Buona Pasqua! 🐣🌸

 

Let me know if you'd like more recipes or tips for your Easter menu!