EASTER EGG RING..recipe for Easter Bread

Here is a simple bread for Easter..great for Breakfast or Teatime


the recipe is a bit long, but well worth it for the results

1/2 cup milk ( nut milk is fine)
2tbsp butter
1/4 cup sugar

1 packet active dry yeast ( 2  1/4 tsp )
1/4 cup  warm water
1 large egg at room temp, beaten
3 cups  all purpose flour (or 50:50, wholewheat & white..increase warm water to 1/2 cup)
caraway seeds OR anise seeds OR Fennel seeds OR almond extract to taste
6 uncooked whole eggs in shell, also at room temp.

Easter egg coloring

method:

Scald the milk with 2tbsp butter, salt & sugar..cool to luke warm.

Dissolve the yeast in warm water and allow to get frothy then add to the milk along with the beaten egg.

Beat in 1 cup flour and caraway seeds, beat until smooth and add remaining flour to form a stiff, but not dry,  dough.

Knead on a floured board for 5-7 mins or until dough is elastic and smooth.

Place dough in  a greased bowl and cover with cloth.

Allow to rise to double size in a warm not hot place..approx 1 hour.
Meanwhile color the uncooked eggs following label directions .
Let dry while dough rises.


Punch down the double risen dough and form into 6 pieces.

Roll each piece into a rope ( 12 inches long)...then braid 3 ropes together and lay onto a large cookie sheet, doing the same with the remaining 3 ropes.
Form the braids into a large circle pinching the ends together to make a tight seal.

Place each colored egg, large end up, in the braid, spacing the eggs evenly around the ring.
( the tiny air space in the large rounded end will keep it from cracking open when baking)
Cover with a clean cloth and allow to rise to double the size.
Preheat oven 375F middle shelf

Bake for 30 mins or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and brush top with melted butter..serve warm

Variation this may also been made into individual breads, each topped with a colored egg, bake at 350f for 20-25 mins until golden brown.


 Also may  be served topped with frosting, sprinkles, powdered sugar


Instead  on a ring may be made as a braid..but traditionally a ring is served at Easter

HAPPY EASTER