Easter time is a celebration of “Rebirth” in both
religion and nature. This Italian celebratory
bread honors both as well. These breads are often festively decorated with colorful dyed
eggs and sprinkles. What could be a better way to honor either religious beliefs or nature's rebirth?
As an adult I find making bread very therapeutic. The measuring, the rising, the kneading, the baking and above all the eating, it takes me to another place. It is hard to be angry while having your hands on the dough. This dough is very flexible, pliable, and takes on shapes very well. Add the pretty colors of dyed Easter Eggs and sprinkles and the children in the family will want to assist in the making of a new holiday tradition. After all, what adult or child hasn't had a good time playing with that brightly colored toy Play-doh?
My mother-in-law made Italian Bread Baskets a few times through the
years when my kids were small. Being
small, the children really didn’t comprehend the egg in the bread, nor did they
care for the taste. Like many Italian
treats, even though it is a sweet bread, and has sweet in the name, it is not overly sweet. In my opinion it is more of a breakfast item,
to replace eggs and toast and great to dunk in your coffee or tea in the style
of which many of an Italian cookie have been eaten.
Like every other Italian recipe out there, it comes in
many versions: Plain, dried citron, fresh citrus, and anise. Some have
fillings, frostings or a glaze. You can search the internet and try which ever
recipe appeals to you. Although the
bread shapes can look similar, this recipe is not to be confused with other
similar recipes such as St. Joseph’s Bread or Challah.
Easter Basket Bread comes in many shapes: basket,
loaf, crown, dolls, Christ, birds, the all American bunny and these days many
other shapes none of which have anything to do with Easter or Religion. Some of the shapes carry a meaning; such as
the Christ form. This shape is interpreted
as Christ body being wrapped for burial.
The cross over the egg represents his crown of thorns. And the fork tine impressions can be
symbolized as his feet. Symbolism is also found in the Crown or Ring forms of
dough: Again the dough is braided and
formed into a circle. The eggs are placed
around the circle in a pleasing pattern and then the cross of dough is placed
over the eggs. The cross, symbolizing
the crown of thorns that Jesus wore.
The dove shape symbolizes peace.
The bunny form is more of an Americanized Easter symbol.
Pane Di Pasqua/Italian Easter Bread
makes 6 individual loaves
1 package Rapid Rise yeast (2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/4 cups milk
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 cups flour
Egg wash-1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
6 dyed Easter eggs (do not need to be a hardboiled eggs)
Sprinkles or pearl sugar
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter
together, just till butter melts.
In a large mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine
yeast, salt, eggs and sugar. Add the warm (not hot - it will kill the
yeast) milk and butter. With mixer on
low add about half the flour and beat until smooth. Slowly add the remaining
flour to form a stiff dough. Don't worry about how much flour it ends up
being, just keep adding until the dough is not sticky anymore. Once the dough clings to the hook, turn
it out onto floured board and knead until smooth. Place in a greased
bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about an hour).
This would be a good time to color your eggs. I like to use Wilton’s food coloring paste to
color my eggs. I fill a large cup with
hot water from the tap and two teaspoons of white vinegar. Pick a color and add it to the liquid by
using a toothpick. I suggest you use
enough color to darken the water so you can’t see through it. I also use a whisk to hold my egg. Pat it
dry with a paper towel. Remember, you’re
using a fresh egg so use care not to crack or break it.
Punch
dough down, turn out onto floured surface and knead into a cylinder shape. Cut
into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece to form a 1 inch thick rope about
14 inches long. Take two pieces, twist
to form a "braid", pinching the ends, and then form into a
circle.
Place on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper
or a Silpat. Cover and let rise until double in size (about an hour).
Brush each bread with beaten egg wash. Let it dry just a short while
before adding sprinkles or pearl sugar (helps to prevent color of sprinkles
from bleeding). In the middle of each bread ring, gently place an
Easter egg, making an indentation with the egg. The egg will cook to
hard-boiled stage while the bread is baking.
Bake at 350 degrees or until golden brown (about 20-25
minutes). Cool on rack.
From the bottom of my heart..............
