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Ingredients
- 5 cups of bread flour (680 grams)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100 grams)
- 1 tsp salt (10 grams)
- 2 tsp dry active yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (120 ml)
- 1/2 stick softened butter (2 ounces) (55 grams)
- 2 eggs for bread
- 1 egg plus 2 tablespoon water for egg wash
- 4 colored eggs
- Zest of an orange
- Sprinkles to decorate
Instructions
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When measuring flour make sure you move it around to incorporate air otherwise the measurements will be off.
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Add yeast and a tsp of sugar to warm milk and let it sit for a minute. If it bubbles it means the yeast is alive and active.
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In the bowl of a stand-up mixer add flour, sugar, eggs, salt, and orange zest.
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With hook attachment start mixing slowly add milk/yeast mixture.
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Then add juice. Once a dough forms slowly add the butter a small piece at a time and let it incorporate before adding more.
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Let it mix for about 5 to 7 minutes.
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It should be a soft but not sticky dough. Lightly grease a bowl with butter and add the dough.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a draft-free place until doubled. (usually about 2 hours).
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For best results let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight. Next morning proceed with the recipe as follows.
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Move dough to work surface. Knead to create a ball. Cut into 4 pieces and then halve each piece. You should have 8 pieces pretty much the same size. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to facilitate working the dough.
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Roll a piece at a time to about a 14-inch log.
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Once you have 2 pieces rolled pinch together and twist as if creating a rope. Now bring ends together to make a circle.
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Place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Place an egg in the center. Make the remaining 3 pieces of bread.
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Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1 1/2 hr.
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Once doubled in size with a pastry brush on egg wash and sprinkle sprinkles on top.
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Bake in preheated oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius) for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
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Enjoy and buona Pasqua!
