Easy Italian Easter Bread

Name: Easy Italian Easter Bread
Ingredients: 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup 2% milk; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit; 1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds; 1/2 teaspoon aniseed; 5 uncooked eggs, dyed; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk; Decorator candies, optional

15 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 eggs
1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup chopped blanched almonds
1/2 teaspoon aniseed
5 uncooked eggs, dyed
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Decorator candies, optional

Directions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a large saucepan, heat milk and 2 tablespoons butter to 120°-130°. Add dry ingredients; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2

Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3

Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in fruit, almonds and aniseed until blended. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a 24-in. rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased
4

and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Gently separate ropes and tuck dyed eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
5

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, in a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over bread. Sprinkle with candies if desired.