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This pretty Easter bread just looks complicated; it's actually a cinch to make!

To complete this How-To you will need:

1 envelope of active dry yeast
1/8 c. warm water
1/2 c. milk
1/2 stick of butter, divided
1/2 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 to 4 c. flour, divided
7 raw eggs, or 3 raw and 4 hard-boiled eggs
1 tbsp. water
A small saucepan
2 large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
A pastry brush
A large baking sheet
Food coloring
3 tbsp. blanched almonds, slivered

Step 1: Prepare yeast

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.

Step 2: Combine milk, butter, sugar

Heat the milk on low until almost simmering, and then stir in one-quarter stick of butter until melted. Turn off the heat. Pour the sugar and salt into a mixing bowl, and then pour in the milk and melted butter mixture, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Add flour, yeast, eggs

When the mixture has cooled to lukewarm, stir in a cup of flour and beat with the electric mixer or by hand until smooth. Add the dissolved yeast and two raw eggs, and beat until smooth. Then, add the flour, a half-cup at a time, until you have a soft dough.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Flour your hands. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, and knead it for about 15 minutes, until it's satiny.

Step 5: Let dough rise

Butter a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball, put it in the bowl, and brush the dough with melted butter. Cover the bowl with a non-terry cloth kitchen towel and place it in a warm area that is free of drafts. Let it rise until it doubles, about two to three hours.

Step 6: Shape the loaf

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Punch the dough down in the bowl; then let it rest for 10 minutes. Remove it from the bowl, and divide it into three pieces. Roll them into strips about 12 inches long, and form a loose braid. Transfer the loaf to the baking sheet, and press the ends together to form a circle.

Step 7: Add eggs

Nestle four whole, unshelled eggs into the braid at evenly-spaced intervals. You can use plain white eggs or ones dyed with food coloring, and they can be raw or hard-boiled.

Tip: The eggs are safe to eat after baking only if you keep the bread in the refrigerator after baking.

Step 8: Finish and bake

Sprinkle the top of the loaf with almonds, if using. Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool the bread before eating.


Tags: easter bred cooking family