Sweet Easter Bread

Immigrants to the United States from the former Czechoslovakia brought the Easter tradition of eating Sweet Easter Bread on Easter morning. I hope you enjoy this recipe.

Ingredient List

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup of lukewarm milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter that is softened
• 2 eggs that are room temperature (Set aside some egg white for an egg wash)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons of raisins
• 2 tablespoons of almond pieces or whole almonds that are chopped. You can also substitute your favorite Easter egg shaped candy in place of almonds.
• Fresh lemon zest from one small lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of slices almonds
• For finishing: Sliced almonds or Easter egg shaped candy for garnish and 1/2 or less of egg white

Instructions

1. Pour lukewarm milk into a bowl. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Place mixture in a warm place for 15 minutes. (I used the keeps warm setting on my oven). After 15 minutes the yeast should have risen and the milk will have bubbles. (Photo above)
2. Remove a piece of egg white to use for an egg wash.
3. Mix flour, sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, softened butter, eggs (remember to save some egg white for finish),and yeast starter in a large bowl. I would recommend using a wooden spoon.
4. Find an area to knead the dough. Place mixture on work space and remember to have extra flour on hand. Knead the dough mixture until the dough is soft and smooth. When dough gets sticky add more flour to your work surface.
5. Add chopped almonds and raisins and gently work them into your batter.
6. Return dough to a bowl and cover bowl with clear, plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm place for 1 hour so that it can rise.
7. After the hour has passed, place bread on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. You can shape the bread into whatever loaf shape you like. Leave bread and baking sheet in a warm place to rise for 90 minutes.
8. After 90 minutes, brush bread with egg wash and top with almonds or candy of your choice. Bake cake in an oven pre hearted to 375 degrees for 10 minutes then lower temperature to 320 degrees for 30 minutes.

Traditionally sweet Easter bread was made on Holy Saturday with a cross carved into the top of the bread. The bread would have been taken to a priest to be blessed than it would be served Easter morning.