Italian Easter Bread

Italian Easter bread celebrates spring, renewal and the resurrection. Each twisted ring contains a whole egg in its center. The bread is fragrant with citrus zest and has a soft, fluffy texture that reminds of challah.

Italian Easter Bread has lemon zest, orange zest and vanilla extract. Then, the bread is topped with sprinkles and its brightly colored egg. They are a symbol for rebirth and add celebratory flair to Easter bread.

This recipe's name may suggest that there is only one Italian Easter bread. It is not true! There are many Easter bread varieties across different regions and subregions. These range from sweet breads to savory breads like pizza di Pasqua from central Italy to sweet breads from southern Italy.

Calabria is home to cuzzupa. This dish is flavored with aniseed and citrus, and then topped with a hardboiled eggs and a lemon glaze. They make cun s’ou in Sardinia and cudduracu l'ova in Sicily. In this case, a raw egg is placed in the dough and baked in the oven. You can shape the breads into dolls, baskets or rings to convey a different meaning.

This is a southern Italian Easter bread recipe. The bread is cut into four rings and twisted around a dyed eggs before being placed on the table. It can be served alongside this Asparagus Salad and Roasted Leg Lamb.

What's In Italian Easter Bread

These ingredients are simple to find and likely already a staple in your pantry. You might only need to buy the dye for your eggs. It is quite humbling to realize that this bread was historically reserved for special occasions due to its rich and expensive ingredients such as butter, sugar, and milk.

• Milk - While I used whole milk for this recipe, you can also use reduced fat or skimmilk. The milk should be heated to between 105 and 115 degrees F. The milk should not be too hot or it could kill the yeast.
• Active dry yeast Enriched breads need more yeast to get started than regular breads.
• Sugar - This bread is slightly sweet but will brown well in the oven.
• Eggs - The structure, softness and golden color of eggs are enhanced by the protein and fat.
• All purpose flour: Although you might be tempted to use bread flour, this all-purpose flour makes a soft, fluffy loaf. Bread flour could make the bread chewy.
• Unsalted butter : A small amount adds flavor to the butter.
• Kosher Salt: Salt enhances flavor in even sweet recipes.
• Vanilla extract - Another flavor enhancer. It can make bread bland or uninteresting without it.
• Zest - I love both orange and lemon zest, but you can use either one or both depending on what you have.
• Uncooked eggs You have the option to dye or leave the eggs un-dyed. Make sure they aren't cooked. They can be baked in the oven.
• Multicolored nonpareils This is a celebration loaf, so have some fun with sprinkles or nonpareils.

How to Make Italian Easter bread

This baking project takes approximately four hours and requires a significant time commitment. The yeast does most of the work while you are busy with other tasks. The butter should be taken out of the fridge while the sponge is rising. Once it has cooled, cut it into small pieces so that it can be used later. While I wait, I zest the citrus and enjoy the orange as a snack. You can cover the zest and store it in the refrigerator if you are concerned about it drying out.

• Make the sponge. Use a stand mixer to dissolve the yeast in milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it foams. 1 cup sugar, 2 cups flour, and eggs are added. Use a rubber spatula or a whisk to mix the ingredients. The batter will look like pancake batter. The bowl should be covered and allowed to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until it becomes bubbly. Take the butter out from the fridge and cut it into pieces of 1/2-inch.
• Make the dough. Add the 2 cups flour, 1/4 Cup sugar, butter and salt to the sponge. Use the dough hook attachment to your mixer and mix the dough on low speed until it forms a smooth ball. This takes about one minute. Continue kneading the dough for seven minutes at a speed of 2 The dough should be elastic and smooth. However, the dough might stick to the bottom of your bowl.
• First rise Cover the bowl with a towel and place it in a warm area to rise for approximately 1 1/2 hours or until nearly doubled in size.

• Divide the dough into 8 equal parts: Punch the dough down and cut it into eight equal pieces (approximately 120 - 125g each).
• Make the loaves Line two sheets pans with parchment paper. Roll each piece of dough out using your palms into a 12-inch-long rope. Twist the ropes several times by pinning them together at their ends.

• Make a wreath by pinching the ends. Tuck the ends under the wreath. Continue with the remaining dough ropes.
• Second rise Lay two loaves on each baking sheet. Cover the loaves with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel and let rise in a warm place for at least an hour or until they are almost doubled in volume.
• Prepare the oven. Place racks in the upper- and lower thirds. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Decorate the loaves by placing a dyed, uncooked egg in the middle of each loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together a large egg with a tablespoon milk. Apply a light coat of the egg wash to each loaf using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the loaf with nonpareils in a variety of colors.
• Bake: Cook for 20 minutes or until golden.
• Let cool: Place the loaves on a wire rack and let them cool. Allow to cool completely before serving.

What is Sponge?

You can use the sponge method to bake bread. This involves mixing a portion of flour, some yeast and some of the wet ingredients. Then you add the rest of ingredients to make the final dough.

A sponge will prolong the fermentation process and give you more flavor. In enriched bread, it's particularly useful to give yeast a head start by adding stages of fat and sugar. These ingredients can slow down fermentation.

This improves the structure and texture of the dough. This method takes only 30 minutes more and replicates the benefits of sourdough starters or other preferments (biga) that are used in traditional Italian bread baking.

How to Naturally Dye Eggs for Italian Easter Bread

While you can still use the traditional method of dying eggs, I decided to try natural dyes. This deep blue color was created by using red cabbage. These are the steps to naturally dye eggs

• Place a small amount of chopped red cabbage in a medium saucepan. Add enough water to submerge the cabbage.
• Boil the water for 15 minutes. Then strain it into a container and let it cool down to room temperature.
• Mix 2 tablespoons vinegar.
• Cover the eggs with the egg whites and let them cool in the fridge.
• To get the deep blue eggs you see in these photos, I let the eggs soak overnight in the fridge.

What to serve with Italian Easter Bread?

This festive holiday bread is best served with other special occasion food. Lamb is a popular Easter dish. If the weather is good, you could also try it with Grilled Lamb Chops or Roasted Leg of Lamb. I love to add springy side dishes such as artichokes or lemony asparagus.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Banana allowed in Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, bananas are allowed in the Mediterranean diet. Bananas are a low-calorie and nutritious fruit that can provide dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin B6. It can be added to smoothies, soups, salads, and even sweet potatoes as a healthy side or main dish. This can be eaten as a snack or with nut butter, such as peanut or almond. For those following the Mediterranean diet, bananas can be paired with healthy fats like nuts or seeds to aid digestion and promote fullness.

Can I drink alcohol on the Mediterranean diet?

It is possible to have moderate amounts of alcohol as part the Mediterranean diet. Limit your alcohol intake to one glass per day for women and two for men. Dry wines, beer and spirits made with only natural ingredients such brandy vodka, whiskey or gin are acceptable beverages. Avoid heavy spirits like cocktails due to their high levels of sugar. Incorporating water or herbal teas into your daily diet can help you stay hydrated and reduce your desire for sugary drinks.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal is allowed on the Mediterranean Diet. Oats, whole grains, can provide a good source dietary fiber as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. You can serve them with blueberries or nuts, seeds, or savory items like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to help you make a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal can be used in smoothies, protein bars, and even plain oatmeal with almond milk. You can also add it to peanut butter, cinnamon, chia seeds and goji berries for additional nutrition. Many people consider oats compatible with Mediterranean diets because they are popular in many countries.

Is it okay to eat milk on the Mediterranean diet

Yes, milk in the Mediterranean diet is allowed. Dairy products such as low-fat yogurt and cheese are an important part of this diet, providing calcium and other key nutrients. Also, milk is nutritious and should be included in moderation in your daily drink routine. It can also create dishes such as smoothies or oatmeal if preferred. If possible, look for organic milk to support sustainable farming. You can add milk to breakfast recipes such as avocado toast and smoothie bowls to get the essential vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy start.

Statistics

• Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
• In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
• 1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

nejm.org

• NEJM

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• The Mediterranean Diet: A transition from an environment-driven food culture to an emerging medical prescription - PMC


• Definition of Mediterranean Diet - A Literature Review. PMC

health.usnews.com

• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• Top Diets for 2023 - Expertly Review - US News Health

heart.org

• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet? American Heart Association

How To

How Does the Mediterranean Diet Supports Brain Health and Reduces Cognitive Decline?

Mediterranean eating is a way to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and legumes. It also includes healthy fats and a low intake of red meat and added sugar. It has been shown to have many health benefits, including better brain function. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce dementia risk and slow down age-related cognitive decline. It may help with mood disorders, and provide protection against oxidative injury as it can protect against aging-related oxidative damages.

Many aspects of the Mediterranean diet are good for brain health and can help to prevent cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts antioxidant-rich food items like fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, has the greatest benefit. Monounsaturated fats from olive oil, for example, help to maintain adequate levels of omega-3 in the body. This is a crucial component in maintaining a healthy brain. Additionally, limiting processed carbs may improve mental clarity. They stabilize blood glucose levels throughout a day and lower inflammation associated with chronic illnesses like stroke or Alzheimer's.

A Mediterranean-style diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, whole grains, plenty of olive oil, good fats and occasional red wine will help you maintain adequate nutrition for cognitive decline. Engaging in moderately vigorous physical activity will increase serotonin levels, which can support mental well-being. These tips will increase your chances for good mental health and physical well-being into old age.

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