Easter Egg Bread

I know I should have way shared this before Easter Sunday....sorry!

....Practically every family in Italy has a variation of this recipe, traditionally baked shortly before the holiday to break the Lenten fast. Be forewarned it is not a quick process....but oh such a delight when it comes out of the oven. As always eating good food, sharing the beginning of Spring with our family and friends and welcoming the warmth of longer days is the best way I can think of to celebrate the end of another cold dark winter - The Italian Way!

Ingredients:

2 packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1 cup all-purpose flower

1/3 cup water

3/4 cup butter

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, well beaten

3 3/4 to 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour

6 colored eggs (uncooked)

1. Soften yeast n the warm water in a bowl, mix in 1 cup flour, then the 1/3 cup water. Beat until smooth. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled. (about 1 hour).

2. Cream butter with lemon peel and juice. Add beaten eggs in halves, beating thoroughly after each addition.

3. Add yeast mixture and beat until blended. Add about half of the remaining flour and beat thoroughly. Beat in enough flour to make a soft dough.

4. Knead on floured surface until smooth. Put into a greased deep bowl; turn dough to bring greased surface to top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled.

5. punch down dough; divide into thirds. Cover; let rest about 10 minutes.

6. With hands, roll and stretch each piece into a roll about 26 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Loosely braid rolls together. On a lightly greased baking sheet or jelly-roll pan shape into a ring, pressing ends together. At even intervals, gently spread dough apart and tuck in a colored egg. Cover; let rise again until doubled.

7. Bake at 375 degrees about 30 - 35 minutes. During baking check bread for browning, and when sufficiently browned, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

8. Transfer bread to a wire rack. If desired, spread a confectioners' sugar icing over top of warm bread.

Makes 1 large wreath....you could also make 6 individual rings.