Facts On Italian Easter Bread
The vast majority of people living in Italy follows the Christian faith and has been for a very long time now. Even though some of them are Coptic Christians but do not follow the religion in practice. In the centuries past however religion was something that played a serious part in the governing of their lives.
We can find certain practices that were emerged from Christianity and that are seen even today among the people. One such traditional celebration is the Easter which is considered to be a very important holiday in the year.
Italians are known for the way they celebrate Easter with pomp and splendour and they celebrate it with palatable food items too. Since Easter occurs after a forty day period of lent that involves fasting, it is understandably celebrated with good food.
Italian Easter Cuisine stands for the special food items that is made for Easter. Italian Easter bread is the most favoured one among the many types of food prepared for Easter.
It takes just one hour to make the Italian Easter bread. If one want to follow the old Swiss and Italian school of preparation then it may take more time as significance is given to decorative food substances such as eggs to give the bread an extra festive appearance.
Italian Easter bread does not press for the use of special substances for its preparation. Instead it would suffice to have margarine, all purpose flour, eggs, salt, sugar and active dry yeast for its preparation. Blanched almonds, a teaspoon of anise seeds and mixed candied fruit may serve as additional ingredients.
Start off by combining one cup of flour, yeast, sugar and salt in one adequate mixing bowl. To this you should add some milk and butter and then beat the mix for around two minutes. Make sure not to completely liquidize the mixture. It is better that you beat them on medium. After adding 2 eggs and another half cup of flour beat it on high for another two minutes. When the mixture is ready add the fruit, aniseeds and nuts in the bowl and mix it well. Add the remaining flour to the bowl and get the contents to become soft dough that can be worked upon.
The dough has to be placed on a lightly floured surface. The flour has to be pummelled for about six to eight minutes till it becomes elastic and smooth. Keep the dough inside a bowl after greasing the bowl. Keep the bowl in a warm place after covering it and you will see it doubled within about an hour.
Uncooked coloured eggs can be added now if you would like. Bake the bread for about half an hour in an oven in 350 degrees and hurray! Your Italian Easter bread is ready to eat.
Traditional Italian Easter bread is enjoyed by all at the dinner table during Easter celebrations. If you are interested in other recipes check out our page on Italian Easter cake.