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Paska Bread

Prep Time:

30 Minutes

Cook Time:

50 Minutes

Serves:

18

Paska Bread

Ingredients

  • 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

  • ½ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • 3 cups warm milk

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Dough:

  • 6  eggs, beaten

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest

  • 12 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1  egg

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparation

Directions

Instructions Checklist

  • Step 1Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl until slightly frothy.

  • Step 2In  the meantime, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in the warm milk; allow to cool to  lukewarm. Once cooled, add the milk mixture to the yeast mixture along  with 4 cups of flour. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Cover and put in a  dark, warm place until the mixture is bubbly and doubled in size, about 2  hours.

  • Step 3Stir  in the beaten eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup butter, salt, and lemon peel.  Stir well to blend. Begin adding the remaining flour a cup at a time to  form a very soft dough.

  • Step 4Knead  the dough on a floured board until soft and elastic, about 10 minutes.  Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover bowl  with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled,  about 2 hours. Punch dough down, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes.

  • Step 5Divide  dough into three parts (see Cook's Note). Shape into slightly rounded  loaves, and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled,  about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water; brush  onto loaves.

  • Step 6Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  • Step 7Bake  in preheated oven until loaves are deep brown, 45 to 50 minutes.  Once  they are done, brush the tops with melted butter for a soft crust.

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