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Greek Easter Bread

Recipe Introduction


Ingredients (2 servings)

1 c whole milk
1/2 c unsalted butter
1 pk dry yeast
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp salt
2 Eggs- beaten
5 Tbsp Orange juice
1 Tbsp Grated orange rind
5 1/2 c Sifted flour
Butter- melted
Red - hard boiled and dyed
1/4 c Slivered almonds
2 tb sugar

Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter over medium heat and scald. Stir until the butter melts, then pour into a mixing bowl. When lukewarm, sprinkle in the yeast, and gradually stir in the 1/2 cup sugar until it dissolves. Then add the salt, eggs, 3 tablespoons of the orange juice, and the orange rind, stirring continuously, and gradually add half the flour until the mixture begins to bubble. Continue adding flour gradually by hand (the dough will be sticky, but should not be stiff). Flour your fingers lightly and knead for 15 minutes. Place the dough in a large buttered bowl, brush the dough with melted butter, cover, and place in a warm area to rise until doubled in bulk (approximately 2 to 3 hours). Punch the dough down and divide into 2 parts. Divide each half into 3 parts and roll each into a long rope about 10" x 2". Braid the three ropes together; pinch to seal the ends if leaving long, or join together to form a long round loaf (see note below). Repeat with the other half of the dough to make a second tsoureki. Place in large baking pans or on a cookie sheet, cover, and let rise until doubled in bulk (approx. 1 1/2 hours). Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the remaining orange juice, remaining sugar, and the almonds in a small bowl. Bake the tsourekia in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and with a pastry brush glaze the tops and sides of loaves. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the color is a rich and shiny chestnut. Note: If using the Easter eggs, tuck them into the center when you shape the loaves. After baking the eggs will be inedible. Also, when the large braid is formed, a smaller one can be placed over it, making a much larger loaf requiring a longer baking time. From "The Food of Greece" by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles.






List of Ingredients









Instructions