Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread
“My Grandma Nardi’s bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl.” —Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
| 1 loaf (16 slices) | 35minutes + rising | 30minutes + cooling |
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 1 loaf (16 slices) | 35minutes + rising |
| Cook Time |
| 30minutes + cooling |
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- Assorted food coloring
- BREAD:
- 2/3 cup warm 2% milk 70° to 80°
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1-1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 package quick-rise yeast 1/4 ounce
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- EGG WASH:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Portions: loaf (16 slices)
Units:
|
Ingredients
Portions: loaf (16 slices)
Units:
|
Instructions
- Place 3 eggs in a single layer in a small saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by 1 in. Cover and quickly bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Let stand 15 minutes.
- Rinse eggs in cold water and place in ice water until completely cooled. Drain; dye hard-boiled eggs with food coloring, following package directions. Let stand until completely dry.
- In bread machine pan, place the first 7 bread ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. Check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1-2 tablespoons additional milk or flour if needed.
- When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Punch down dough; divide into thirds. Roll each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid. Shape into a ring. Pinch ends to seal. Lightly coat dyed eggs with oil; arrange on braid, tucking them carefully between ropes. For egg wash, whisk egg with water. Brush over dough; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°.
- Bake until golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate leftovers.
- To prepare dough by hand: In a large bowl, mix sugar, yeast, salt and 1 cup flour. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Add eggs; beat on high 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 1 hour. Shape and bake as directed.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
1 slice: 157 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fibre), 6g protein.
