Flavorful Fridays Buona Pasqua! Italian easter bread, Braided sweet from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
Italian sweet bread is a delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. This soft, sweet bread is often served during the Christmas holidays in Italy, but it can be enjoyed all year round. This recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a beautiful and tasty bread that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
To make Italian sweet bread, you will need the following ingredients:
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
3 eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
1/2 cup of warm water
1/2 cup of warm milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of golden raisins
1/2 cup of chopped candied fruit (citron, orange peel, lemon peel)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Italian sweet bread:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter, eggs, warm milk, vanilla extract, and activated yeast to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Add the Raisins and Candied Fruit
Add the golden raisins and chopped candied fruit to the dough. Knead for an additional 5 minutes until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape the Bread
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the loaf with beaten egg to give it a shiny finish.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
This recipe yields one loaf of Italian sweet bread, which serves about 8-10 people. Each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 697mg
Total Carbohydrates: 67g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 10g
Conclusion
Italian sweet bread is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a beautiful and tasty loaf. Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with your favorite beverage. Enjoy!
