Tsourekia Easter Bread
Contributed by: News Canada
Also know as Greek Easter Bread this recipe creates loaves which are light, sweet and delicious. A perfect addition to any easter festivities.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (425 ml) Five Roses White Flour
- 1 3/4 cups (425 ml) Five Roses Whole Wheat Flour
- 2 1/4 tsp. (11 ml) yeast
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) sugar
- 1/3 cup (90 ml) lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) melted butter
- zest from one orange
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
- 1/2 tsp. (2.5 ml) salt
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) ground aniseed
- 1 egg for glaze
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) sesame seeds
- 5 decorated hard-boiled eggs
Directions:
Put both types of flour in a bowl and make a well. Dissolve the yeast and the teaspoon of sugar in the lukewarm water. Pour into the well and mix in some flour (about 2 tbsp.). Cover this leavening with a moist cloth and let rise at room temperature for 30 min.
Add butter, orange, eggs, sugar, salt and aniseed.
Knead until dough is homogeneous. Cover and let stand for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).
Remove 2/3 of the dough and shape into a loaf. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
Divide the other third into 4 rolls and twist them. Wrap the loaf with the braided dough, making sure that it adheres well.
Brush with the egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rise for 15 min.
Place the hard-boiled eggs in the center of the bread and cook for 30 min.
