Easter Bread Ring

Directions

1. 1
   BREAD:.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour with the sugar, yeast, orange zest, and salt. Mix until well blended.
3. 3
   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium high heat until just boiling. Remove from the heat; add the shortening and stir until melted. Stir in the orange juice and vanilla. Cool to 120°F Pour the milk mixture and the beaten eggs over the flour mixture.
4. 4
   Mix until a soft and sticky dough forms. Slowly stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plstic wrap and place in a warm draft free spot and let rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down dough, cover with plastic and refrigerate overnight.
5. 5
   Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator; punch it down. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a rope, about 24-inches long. Twist the ropes together; place the dough on prepared baking sheet. joining the ends together to form a ring shape.
6. 6
   Push the hard boiled eggs, on their sides, between the spaces in the twisted rope around ring. Cover bread with a piece of lightly greased plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 -2 hours.
7. 7
   Heat oven to 350°F Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Bat egg with 1 tablespoons milk. Brush bread with egg wash; return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
8. 8
   GARNISH:.
9. 9
   Place a few drops of liquid food coloring in a small dish. Using a cotton swab or small paint brush, carefully color each dyed egg. Let dry fully before drizzling on Orange Glaze.
10. 10
    ORANGE GLAZE:.
11. 11
    In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients: stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.