What better way to break a forty-six-day Lenten fast than by baking rich flavorful bread! A traditional bread with origins from Eastern Europe and also baked in the UK, Canada and the US, is Easter Paska Bread. The use of yeast is evident, most of the waiting time is for three rises and the baking. You still have time to buy any of the ingredients you do not have on hand. It is pretty easy and the taste will be enjoyed by all who partake. Here’s the recipe:
Entire time is about 6+ hours and yields three loaves
Prep time: 15 minutes Rise time 4 to 5 hours Bake time about 40 minutes or so
2 packages active dry yeast
1/2 cup water heated to 110º
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups milk scalded then allowed to cool to 110º (*half-and-half may be substituted)
4 cups AP flour
6 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup butter softened
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp lemon zest
12 cups AP flour
1 large egg
1 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp butter melted
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1) Add the yeast to the 110º water in a large bowl and allow the mixture to proof until slightly frothy
2) Dissolve 1/2 cup of sugar in the slightly-scalded milk, and let it cool down to 110º
3) Add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture, along with 4 cups of flour, and mix well with a wooden spoon
4) Cover and let sit in a dark and warm place, until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size (about two hours)
5) Stir in the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, butter, salt, and lemon peel, then stir well to blend
6) Begin adding the remaining flour a cup at a time to form a very soft dough
7) Knead the dough on a floured board until soft and elastic (about ten minutes)
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat both sides, and allow to rise in a warm place, until doubled (about two hours)
9) Punch dough down and allow to rise again (about thirty minutes)
10) Divide dough into three parts, shaping each into slightly rounded loaves, then place into greased baking pans
11) Let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes to 1 hour)
12) Bake at 350º F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until done
13) Remove from oven, and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust
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Glaze:
Beat egg with water and brush onto loaves
Paska Easter Bread cdkitchen recipe 74450 (modified)