Nonna D'Ambrosi's Easter Bread ___

Nonna D'Ambrosi's Easter Bread

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 6 room temperature, extra large eggs that are well beaten
  • 1.5 cups lukewarm milk
  • 2 packages active dry yeast softened in 1/4 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.13 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups flour plus enough flour to make dough kneadable (Gold Medal all purpose)
  • 2 tablespoons anise extract
  • 1 tablespoons anise seed
  • 2 teaspoon cardamon
  • 1.5 tablespoons grated lemon rind
  • 2 tablespoons emon juice
  • 2 cups confectioner's sugar
  • 1 tablespoons milk
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Put butter, eggs, milk, yeast, sugar and salt in large bowl.

Add flour (enough to make soft dough).

Add flavorings and more flour (enough to make dough kneadable)

Knead for ten minutes.

Cover with lightly moistened dish towel and let rise in greased bowl for two hours away from any drafts.

Punch down and knead briefly.

Cover with lightly moistened dish towel and let rise in greased bowl for one hour away from any drafts.

Punch down and form three braided round loaves, each formed around a room temperature egg (colored if desired)

Place loaves on greased baking sheets.

Cover with lightly moistened dish towel and let rise for one half hour away from drafts.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes.

Bread is done when it sounds hollow when "knocked".

Place loaves on wire racks to cool and IMMEDIATELY drizzle with frosting (see below) and sprinkles.

FROSTING:

Mix together all ingredients adding more sugar to make a soft, (a bit liquidy) consistency.