An Beautiful Easter Bread

Easter bread is popular in many different countries around the world.  This particular recipe isn't difficult and chances are you have all of the ingredients in your pantry.  I prefer to make individual breads so that everyone can have their own.  As a gift, children seem to really enjoy this sweet treat! 

I like to keep it all natural and dye my eggs using cabbage instead of store bought dye.  This recipe makes two breads so you'll need to boil two white eggs.  While the eggs are boiling, cut up 1/2 of a red cabbage head into small pieces.  Put them into a sauce pan and fill with water.  Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 15 minutes.  Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.  Remove from the heat and let sit for two hours.

Strain the cabbage liquid into a bowl for dyeing.  Throw the cabbage out!

 

Let your eggs sit in the dye mixture for several hours (overnight if possible).  Your eggs will be a beautiful shade of blue.

 Remove eggs from the dye and let dry.

 Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cups of sugar.  Mix in 1 3/4 teaspoons of yeast.

Put 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan with 2/3 cup of milk.  Heat the milk until the butter is soft but not melted.

Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring.  Add 2 eggs and an additional 1/2 cup of flour.  Mix well.

Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes.  Put the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel and let rise for two hours.

 Punch down dough and divide into two pieces.

 Cover and let stand for 15 minutes.

 Cut each piece into two.

Roll each piece into a long thin piece about 24 inches long and braid the two pieces together; making a "nest" for the egg.

Cover the bread and let rise for another hour.

 Brush the bread with melted butter.

 Set an egg in the center of the bread being careful that it doesn't touch the pan.

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for about 35 minutes until golden brown.

 This smells wonderful!

 Easter bread is a seasonal favorite!