Easter Bread Ring

Recipe View 20 mins Prepare the Eggs: Gently boil 5 eggs until hard-boiled. Cool, then dye them in vibrant Easter colors. Set aside to dry. (Prep time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, salt, and yeast with 1 cup of flour. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Make the Dough: In a saucepan, gently heat milk and butter until butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Beat with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes. Add the room-temperature eggs and ½ cup of flour. Beat vigorously for another 2 minutes. Gradually add remaining flour until a ball of dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, incorporating additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size. (Rising time: 60 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Incorporate Fruit and Nuts: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the candied fruit, chopped almonds, and anise seed. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Shape the Ring: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in the fruit and nut mixture, ensuring even distribution. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a 24-inch rope. Twist the two ropes together and form a ring on a greased baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal. (Prep time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Prepare for Baking: Brush the dough with melted vegetable shortening. Gently create indentations in the dough to accommodate the colored eggs. Carefully press the dyed eggs into the prepared spaces. Cover the bread with wax paper and let rise for another hour, or until doubled. (Rising time: 60 minutes)

Recipe View 35 mins Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. (Baking time: 30-35 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the icing over the top, between the eggs. Sprinkle with multicolored sprinkles. (Prep time: 10 minutes)