4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk lukewarm
6 tbsp butter cut in small pieces, room temperature
1 egg room temperature
1/2 cup raisins(optional)
Prepare. Prepare parchment paper lined baking sheet
Warm the milk slightly.
SECOND:
Mix it. Place the flour, sugar, yeast, salt in a large bowl.
Add the lukewarm milk, butter, egg.
Mix well using a fork.
THIRD:
Knead it. Knead dough for 10-15 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
FORTH:
Let it rise. Shape dough into a ball.
Put dough in bowl and cover bowl with plastic wrap.
Let dough rise for 1 1/2 hour or double in size in warm, draft free area.
FIFTH:
Make the Easter Bread Ring. Punch dough down, put on floured surface.
Raisinsoptional Put raisins on the dough and fold the dough a few times. Do not knead. Make sure raisins do not stick out, otherwise they will burn.
1. Divided dough into 3 equal pieces.
2. Roll each 20 inches long.
3. Braid them.
4. Make a ring out of the braid. Press both ends tight together.
5. Put ring on prepared baking sheet.
6. Cover ring with a dishcloth and let sit for 20 minutes in warm, draft-free area.
SIXTH:
Brush the Easter Bread. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Make egg wash by mixing egg yolk and milk.
Brush the Easter Bread with the egg wash.
Place an egg in the middle of the ring. A raw egg will be soft boiled when the bread is done.
BAKE IT!
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or bake until golden brown.
Let it cool on rack.
