Italian Easter Bread

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup warm milk (120-130°F)
2 tbsp. butter, softened
7 eggs
1/2 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped
1/4 cup blanched almonds, chopped
1/2 tsp. anise seed
Vegetable oil

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add milk and butter; beat 2 minutes on medium. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in fruit, nuts and anise seed; mix well. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured board; knead until smooth, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl; turn once. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled; about 1 hour. If desired, dye remaining eggs (Leave them uncooked); lightly rub with oil. Punch dough down. Divide in half; roll each piece into a 24 rope. Loosely twist ropes together; place on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring. Pinch ends together. Gently split ropes and tuck eggs into openings. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan; cool on a wire rack.

User Reviews:

I've been searching the web for the recipe my great granmother always made and unfortunatly I alway find this one. I suspect it originated from the back of a package of yeast, because its everywhere! The original was called casatiello dolce and had a cake-like texture - nothing like american bread recipes.

Submitted by 2nd generation Italian on December 03, 2001

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